2021 TRIBECA FILM FESTIVAL REVIEW:
In the 1940’s skateboarding was born in California. Three decades later, what is now one of the most popular genres of music, hip hop, came to be in the Bronx. These art forms were created on opposite ends of the United States, and had essentially nothing in common with one another, but in the mid-1980’s the two converged and brought together a rag-tag group of individuals in a way that no one had foreseen. All the Streets Are Silent: The Convergence of Hip Hop and Skateboarding (1987 - 1997) tells the story of how these two things, divided by racial lines, came together to form something great.
The vibe of All the Streets Are Silent is something quite spectacular. While the dozens of individuals recount their experiences with skateboarding and hip hop they manage to both highlight the negatives and express the fact that all that occurred regarding these aspects of their lives have affected them in a positive fashion. As each interviewee expresses themselves they are supplemented by a soundtrack consisting of Run DMC, Jay-Z, Method Man, and others of their calibur, bringing to light just how interestingly, but beautifully these two seemingly different worlds mesh with one another. As everything transpires and the reality of what was taking place within the numerous hip hop-centered nightclubs of New York City, it becomes very difficult not to, at the very least, tap along to the gripping and energetic songs that exist within All the Streets are Silent. I found myself almost compelled to get up out of my seat and dance, which isn’t great for anyone who may have had to watch me, but a testament to how wonderfully constructed not only the documentary is, but the hip hop/skateboarding scene throughout New York in the 80’s and 90’s.
Now, I’m not a stranger to hip hop (not an expert by any means, though) and I’ve been fortunate enough throughout the past few years to converse with a number of individuals who have an extensive knowledge of the genre and its history, enlightening me and providing me a better understanding of the artform. However, All the Streets Are Silent dives so deep into the history of the underground hip hop scene that it seems impossible, unless you were there, that you could understand the gravity of what was transpiring. All the Streets Are Silent is perfectly constructed, as well as explicit in its goal to reach viewers and express to them that while there are stigmas that can often surround rappers and/or skateboarders, this group that existed in the 80’s and 90’s breaks the mold, does their own thing, and presents the world with a new understanding of this motley crew of individuals, as well as the culture as a whole.
Issues with the on-screen text are frustrating as there are moments when an interviewee’s name and/or profession are nearly impossible to see. The always white text is sometimes located directly in front of an entirely white background, causing viewers to lose aspects of who and what exists within All the Streets are Silent. This is the only thing stopping this film from being perfect, and while it technically doesn’t change the content, it does sometimes become infuriating.
In many ways All the Streets Are Silent: The Convergence of Hip Hop and Skateboarding (1987 - 1997) plays out like a montage of skateboarding videos and underground hip hop shows. While it may not initially appear that the two exist on the same wavelength, it does eventually become clear that while the existence of this culture may have a specific niche in the grand scheme of the world, it has earned its place.The collaboration of everyone involved brings this inspiring documentary to life, leaving viewers awestruck and motivated, motivated to do better and be better as a result of these interesting individuals collaborating in a number of ways. Thanks to the numerous testimonials, impeccable soundtrack, and the innate ability of everyone involved to reach the audience I’ve never had more fun watching a documentary.
Directed by Jeremy Elkin.
Written by Dana Brown & Jeremy Elkin.
Starring Eli Gesner, Rosario Dawson, Darryl McDaniels, Kid Capri, Jefferson Pang, Clark Kent, Bobbito Garcia, Mike Carroll, Stretch Armstrong, etc.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/10
Comentários