Bitchin': The Sound and Fury of Rick James

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Bitchin': The Sound and Fury of Rick James

2021

1h 51m

Documentary

Music

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Popcornmeter

100%

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13 Reviews

67%

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Fewer than 50 Ratings

A raw and intimate documentary look at the wildly colorful life of legendary funk artist Rick James from acclaimed Director Sacha Jenkins. Original interviews with artists, collaborators and friends focus on the "punk-funk" music James left behind while illuminating his fearless attitude, social justice advocacy and bold musical aspirations. Featuring rare footage of James' incredible live shows and never-before-seen home video.

Critics Consensus

Director Sacha Jenkins deftly celebrates Rick James' musical contributions without glossing over his flaws, making Bitchin' a clear-eyed and comprehensive dive through the funk icon's artistic highs and personal lows.

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Claudia Puig

FilmWeek (LAist)

09/03/2021

It pulls no punches... But it really showcases his considerable talent.

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John Anderson

Wall Street Journal

09/02/2021

Bitchin: The Sound and Fury of Rick James, by director Sacha Jenkins, doesn't exactly rescue the proto funk-rocker from oblivion. It just gives him his overdue due.

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Glenn Kenny

New York Times

09/02/2021

Fascinating and troubling viewing.

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Benjamin H. Smith

Decider

10/04/2021

While Bitchin': The Sound and Fury of Rick James gives James the respect he deserves as an artist, it doesn't overlook the unseemly aspects of his life, behavior and art.

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Christopher Bourne

In Review Online

09/26/2021

As much as the film celebrates and closely analyzes James' music, it also doesn't shy away from examining the darker side of his achievements.

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Andy Klein

FilmWeek (LAist)

09/03/2021

I liked it a lot, [but] I did not find him all that sympathetic.

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B L.

@BLubes May 23

James blasted out of Buffalo’s projects like a cocked-and-loaded funk grenade; equal parts guitar-slinging rock rebel, pimp-strutting superstar, and coked-out maniac. The movie dives into James’s explosive “punk-funk” empire, from “Super Freak” to parades of women, mountains of blow, and batshit stage antics that made him a legend. Brutal interviews reveal chaos: prison time, addiction, and self-sabotage. Like James, the movie is funny as hell, tragic as f*ck, unapologetically nasty, and slaps hard

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10/25/2021

Every generation including the ones not here yet, should find value, in the one and only Rick James. 🙏🏾💨💨

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Sacha Jenkins

Director

Rick James

Actor

Sacha Jenkins

Screenwriter

Steve Rivo

Screenwriter

Jason Pollard

Screenwriter

Steve Rivo

Producer

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Synopsis

A raw and intimate documentary look at the wildly colorful life of legendary funk artist Rick James from acclaimed Director Sacha Jenkins. Original interviews with artists, collaborators and friends focus on the "punk-funk" music James left behind while illuminating his fearless attitude, social justice advocacy and bold musical aspirations. Featuring rare footage of James' incredible live shows and never-before-seen home video.

Director: Sacha Jenkins
Producer: Steve Rivo
Screenwriter: Sacha Jenkins, Steve Rivo, Jason Pollard
Genre: Documentary, Music
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Sep 3, 2021
Runtime: 1h 51m