Scratch (2002)
I don't even like hip-hop or rap or whatever you
want to call it. But the documentary "Scratch," which
is mainly about DJ's, is quite awesome. Dig the title;
that explains what the film is all about. This is basically
a documentary about DJ's who make music by scratching
and manipulating vinyl records on turntables. (Sometimes,
the film explains, they're even called "turntablists.")
That type of music did nothing for me. I had no interest
in it. "Scratch" changed that somewhat. It's a remarkable
film.
The history of hip-hop music is explored somewhat
here. The touchstone of this musical genre known as
"Scratch" becomes obvious to us as we watch the film.
It is Herbie Hancock's 1984 "Rockit" where scratch DJ
Grandmixer DXT began the phenomenon (or at least popularized
it). Almost every important turntablist in "Scratch"
references hearing the groundbreaking song and seeing
it on its live performances on The 1984 Grammys and
on "SNL."
The whole subgenre of DJ's and "Scratch" music
is explored here, from the early days of basement clubs
to modern, recent, musical explorations and DMC battles.
The film begins with discussions of Afrika Bambaataa
and Grandwizzard Theodore and their influences on creating
the artform as well as exploring it and promoting it.
The real cohesive whole of the film, however, is
the remarkable person that is Qbert, a scratch DJ who,
along with some friends, created The Invisibl Skratch
Piklz, a collaboration of DJ's. Qbert is a really interesting
and unique (smart and completely weird) guy and watching
him "perform" here (i.e. scratch) as well as explain
his thoughts on the artform becomes riveting.
One of the most wonderful segments in the film
for me, however, is the exploration of several record
stores' and record enthusiasts' collections. Vinyl still
evokes an automatic response in an old school person
such as myself. When the cameras in "Scratch" begin
to explore basements jammed with vinyl records, stacks
and stacks of buried treasure, it is mythic. "Digging,"
as the search for rare and important records to use
in DJing is called, reminds me of my days as a youth,
exploring used record shows for interesting and rare
albums. I wish I had some of that old vinyl still. The
collections here are awe inspiring.
Directed by Doug Pray, "Scratch" often blends and
manipulates film, in the editing process, to visually
accentuate the hip- hop and scratch music used here.
Pray does an awesome job of compiling and editing his
film to present a comprehensive and engrossing look
at the subculture of DJ's and MC's and Turntablists.
Not only a is the documentary a wonderful primer for
someone like myself, with only a vague notion of what
it is all about, the film is surely also a treat for
those with a deep knowledge of the music. "Scratch"
works well on all levels, for neophyte or fanatic. This
look at the history of this particular genre of music,
which has only been around for about 20 years, will
be considered the most important archive for enthusiasts
for years to come.
Pray has worked with the Hughes Brothers, who produce
here, on projects like "American Pimp." He also made
a film called "Hype!" about the Grunge musical phenomenon
in the 90's. With "Scratch," he becomes perhaps the
most important documentarian of musical expression of
the late 20th century. "Scratch" is that important.
And it's that well made.
Note:
Also with Jazzy Jay, Steinski, Mix Master Mike
(of Beastie Boys Fame), DJ Shadow, Rob Swift, DJ Babu,
DJ Faust, Shortee, DJ Craze, Steve Dee, Cut Chemist,
Jurassic 5, DJ Premier, Gang Star, Z-Trip, DJ Relm,
DJ Streak, DJ Krush, The Bulletproof Scratch Hamsters
(aka Space Travelers), DJ Swamp, Almighty Kaygee, Dot
A Rock, Kevie Kev, Billy Jam, Dave Paul, Naut Humon,
John Carluccio and Doze Green.
Albert Hughes is credited with "Additional Photography."
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Report
Card
Content:
A
Completeness: A+
Cinematography\Lighting: A+
Special Effects\Make Up: C
Music: A
Final
Grade: A
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