A deep and honest portrayal of a man with a passion. Coodie and Chike do an incredible job revealing the determination and persistence of Kanye; he combats his opposers by flipping the script on themselves. In one scene Kanye explains how the major labels say he can produce but he can't rap. Well no worry, in order for West to achieve his dreams, he'll send the labels a beat CD. Now, the labels will have search for a vocalist to compartmentalize the production but ah, littered through the CD contains Kanye's own vocals, placing the label in no other option but to distribute his songs. Even in banter does Kanye establish his persevering demeanor. Yet his attitude can lead to a downfall of undeserving moments.
We all know Kanye can be somewhat arrogant-his mother even makes light of this in the film-but it's now what defines him. Rather, his perceived arrogance is a false perception the public must view from the eyes of those putting him down: the media, butthurt producers(Dug Infinite in the film), and labels. Kanye wants for one thing to remain in state: his authenticity and art. The documentary subtly hints Kanye's conflicts as a result of his originality, forever experiencing a form of hate. Consider Kanye's confrontation of Dug Infinite over a radio diss. Infinite, who helped Kanye understand music production, dissed West for not name dropping him in an interview were West acknowledges No ID as his true mentor. Kanye had to jump on the hit Chicago radio and cement his comments toward Dug, claiming that No ID furthered his knowledge on the art of production. A man achieving greatness will always experience detestation.
It's only Act 1 but I can't praise the directing and editing enough. They weave a story that not only provides new context for Kanye-examining his relationship with music, the industry, and his mother-but also foretells and acknowledges the future. I don't want to give it away but one amazingly placed scene of Kanye rambling in his hotel alludes to a very recent event. I encourage anyone to view this documentary, even if you dislike Kanye. More people will be able to understand his humanity than flamboyant "larger than life" persona. Jeen-yuhs Act I is not your average biographic documentary. Much like "Hoop Drams," to which the documentary mentions, this new film uses one man to expand upon larger and reflective subjects.
