Cast
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James Brown
as Self (archive footage)
Bootsy Collins
as Self
Chuck D
as Self
Mick Jagger
as Self
Questlove
as Self
Bobby Byrd
as Self
Melvin Parker
as Self
Maceo Parker
as Self
Clyde Stubblefield
as Self
Martha High
as Self
Alan Leeds
as Self
Pee Wee Ellis
as Self
Al Sharpton
as Self
John 'Jabo' Starks
as Self
Danny Ray
as Emcee, Cape Man
Crew
Director
- Alex Gibney
Writer
- Alex Gibney
Producer
- Mick Jagger
- Victoria Pearman
- Peter Afterman
- Blair Foster
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
Mr. Dynamite - The Rise of James Brown represents a fascinating example of Music/Documentary cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Alex Gibney brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2014, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Mr. Dynamite - The Rise of James Brown took approximately 26 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 115 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 140 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 63 unique compositions.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 3 weeks before filming began.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
Historical Context
- In 2014, when this film is released:
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Mr. Dynamite - The Rise of James Brown shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Ray, which focuses more on action than character development, Mr. Dynamite - The Rise of James Brown offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like The Best of Strictly Come Dancing - Len's Grand Finale and Beat Is Protest: Funk from a Female Perspective explore similar territory, Mr. Dynamite - The Rise of James Brown stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: April 27, 2014
- Runtime: 1h 55m
Where to Watch
