The South Central area of L.A. is notorious for gang related violence and crime. But there is a positive side and the dance craze of clowning, and its offshoot krumping, offers a more constructive outlet for the young residents who strive to rise above this violent world.
Tommy The Clown, creator of clowning and former criminal comes across as a likeable chap in this documentary from acclaimed photographer and music video director David LaChapelle. You can't help but be won over by Tommy's enthusiasm as he attempts to offer the young an alternative to gang culture. Adorned in rainbow afro wig and clown makeup he entertains local residents with his troupe of similarly clad apprentices who have their own tales to tell, many from broken homes, their lives blighted by drugs and violence. Unfortunately Rize is an underdeveloped documentary; the disjointed interviews and occasional footage of home life never put into a coherent narrative.
Where it does excel is in bringing the energy and enthusiasm of the dancers to the screen and it's clear that LaChappelle feels more comfortable with these sequences. Their passion is infectious and viewers will do well to bear in mind the movie's opening disclaimer that the footage has not been sped up during these frenetic scenes. The highlight is Battle Zone, a dance contest between the exponents of clowning and its younger brother krumping. This rivalry mirrors the only other choice that appears to be on offer to the young of the community, joining one of the gangs. But whereas at first glance the dancing looks aggressive, with participants squaring up against each other before delivering kinetic routines, it's a positive outlet for those involved.
The decision to focus on the positive and move away from the stereotypical image of young African Americans as drug dealers and gangsters is admirable but as a documentary Rize is a directionless offering with little insight. Despite a couple of tragic incidents it's hard to invest any real emotion in the individuals, their personalities overshadowed by the message. There is clearly a larger story to tell, indeed the likes of Tight Eyez and Miss Prissy deserve to have it told and a look at the appropriation of this underground movement into the mainstream would have been interesting. But despite these shortcomings Rize is recommended for its compelling dance sequences which will have viewers marvelling at the performer's skills. Just don't try this at home.
