[Originally published in the Forge Press 20.02.09]
The Laborious L.I.E.
Review: Notorious
Notorious, the story of Christopher Wallace a.k.a. Biggie Smalls/the Notorious B.I.G., presents a version of the rapper’s life which some may find a little hard to swallow.
Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that the team behind the movie consists of his mother as producer, Sean ‘P Diddy’ Combs as executive producer, and Wallace’s son as the young version of himself. Clearly, we aren’t going to be getting the most objective of biographies.
While Biggie hasn’t exactly been portrayed as an angel, one gets the impression that certain aspects of his life are being deftly swept under the carpet just as the camera swings in their direction.
Take for instance his rivalry with Tupac and the latter’s subsequent drive-by shooting. Sure, a film made by Biggie’s mother is unlikely to paint him as a potential murderer, but the fact that any whiff of controversy is sharply steered away from unfortunately robs the film of doing the legendary rapper any real justice.
What we have instead is a relatively by the numbers rags to riches tale which could have been far more interesting had those involved not so obviously been watching their backs.
Take for instance Sean Combs, portrayed here as an unerring, saintly presence to such an extreme that you’ll be surprised they forgot to add some sort of heavenly glow.
While some of the less attractive aspects of Biggie’s persona are touched upon, take his selling of drugs to a pregnant woman for example, the film just doesn’t feel at all honest.
Perhaps the main saving grace is the suitably super-sized newcomer Jamal Woolard in the lead role, who arguably saves the picture from being an absolute exercise in tedium.
A solid sound track is another plus point if you’re a fan of gangsta rap; if not you might be hard pressed to find much here to love.
Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that the team behind the movie consists of his mother as producer, Sean ‘P Diddy’ Combs as executive producer, and Wallace’s son as the young version of himself. Clearly, we aren’t going to be getting the most objective of biographies.
While Biggie hasn’t exactly been portrayed as an angel, one gets the impression that certain aspects of his life are being deftly swept under the carpet just as the camera swings in their direction.
Take for instance his rivalry with Tupac and the latter’s subsequent drive-by shooting. Sure, a film made by Biggie’s mother is unlikely to paint him as a potential murderer, but the fact that any whiff of controversy is sharply steered away from unfortunately robs the film of doing the legendary rapper any real justice.
What we have instead is a relatively by the numbers rags to riches tale which could have been far more interesting had those involved not so obviously been watching their backs.
Take for instance Sean Combs, portrayed here as an unerring, saintly presence to such an extreme that you’ll be surprised they forgot to add some sort of heavenly glow.
While some of the less attractive aspects of Biggie’s persona are touched upon, take his selling of drugs to a pregnant woman for example, the film just doesn’t feel at all honest.
Perhaps the main saving grace is the suitably super-sized newcomer Jamal Woolard in the lead role, who arguably saves the picture from being an absolute exercise in tedium.
A solid sound track is another plus point if you’re a fan of gangsta rap; if not you might be hard pressed to find much here to love.
Jamie Cusworth
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