There is an extraordinary range of artists admirably assembled by JAY Z
for this concert – from veteran acts like Run-DMC and Pearl Jam, to alt-rock
groups Passion Pit and Dirty Projectors, to hip-hop sensations Janelle Monae,
Santigold and Rita Ora, to acquired tastes like Odd Future to Skrillex – who
each attracted their unique audiences, but no doubt gathered some new fans.
JAY Z expresses the belief that “every
human being has genius-level talent” and it is up to the individual to tap into
that potential and find out what they are best at. He believes that there are
many avenues to success, it just takes dedication and commitment and the
courage to bounce back from failure and rejection even stronger than ever. He
is living proof of having fulfilled the ‘American Dream’, as are many of the
other artists we meet. Carter has become a role model - a one-time street thug
who turned it all around and dedicated all of his time and energy to making
music. A lot of young people in Philadelphia (as an example) look up to him. He
was one of the pioneers of his generation; and he has witnessed a new
generation (guys like Skrillex) change the music landscape again. Janelle Monae
humbly talks about her parents, hardworking blue-collar workers. She talks
about her performance uniform of black and white, and where that idea stemmed
from. Swedish group The Hives discuss what influenced their music in Sweden,
and Andrew Wyatt of Miike Snow is very open about the psychological problems
that plagued his early career, and how he remained driven to make music.
Joseph Simmons and Daryl McDaniels of Run-DMC and Eddie Vedder of Pearl
Jam offered more veteran insight, a generation older than most of the other
artists interviewed. McCaniels was especially vocal about the artists that
inspired him, and the lyrics that taught youngsters about the very streets they
lived on. They hilariously recap the process of making one of their music
videos, which involved Steven Tyler of Aerosmith. Howard visits Simmons in more
personal surroundings, eliminating the musician persona and capturing him
simply as a man living his life. Having not performed together for over a
decade it is a special moment when Simmons and McDaniels take the stage
together.
Howard doesn't just interview the talent,
but a stagehand, a group of security guards working the show, and one of the
venue caterers. These personable, hardworking regular people discuss their
professions and their contentedness with their lives, thankful for the job they
have and its challenges and opportunities. It adds a terrific dynamic to the
film.
My only negative comment about the film
was that I craved more concert footage. It could have been a great concert film
on it’s own - the photographed footage was exceptional - but admirably JAY Z
and Howard made the effort to make it more than just a concert film, but an
investigation into how these artists made their dreams come true, and how
others have worked hard to make it in America in their own way. But still, some
of the performances were too entertaining to leave. Gary Clark Jr. was crushing 'When the Train Pulls In' , but Howard disappointingly took us backstage mid-show. More of Clark, Pearl Jam
and the great Janelle Monae and less of, say, Odd Future, would have resulted
in a slam-dunk.
JAY Z is evidently a man of charisma,
imposing stage presence and strong business sense, with an inspiringly
optimistic view of the people of America. His journey to success is woven into Made In America, and it is a story worth
learning about. It is an emotional moment to see him met with rousing applause
as he makes his closing address on the second night. Pal Kanye West joins him
on stage and seeing these two monsters of hip-hop performing together is an
awe-inspiring sight to leave on.
My Rating: ★★★★
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