Rize a Visual Dancing Spectacular

In the wake of the 1992 Rodney King riots, Tommy ‘The Clown’ Johnson created a new style of dancing nicknamed “Clowning” in response to both the unexpected trial verdict and the devastating carnage which followed it. As things evolved, kids in the present day have taken Johnson’s stylings and morphed them into something kinetically all their own called “Krumping.” Together, these revolutionary forms of artistic expression offer kids an alternative to gangs, drugs and hustling, many forming their own individualistic troupes to hone their skills against rival dance teams.

Welcome to “Rize,” a spectacular documentary about a mind-boggling and startlingly wholesome phenomenon exploding across South Central Los Angeles. The feature debut of noted artist and photographer David LaChapelle, this is an astonishing visual document sure to stand the test of time. LaChapelle is a painter behind the camera, he and director Morgan Susser working in sublime tandem to make this world of dance explode in every richly nuanced detail.

There are some things to definitely quibble about, of course. The doc is awfully glossy at times, never taking the time to really go too deeply into the real life stories behind its cast of characters. If anything, I knew no more about the kids or the craze they’ve created by the end than I did at the beginning. Other than a moment here and there of startling intimacy, for all of LaChapelle’s unprecedented access inside California’s meanest streets for the most part the human story remains surprisingly just out of reach.

That said, this unheard of access does allow the filmmakers to explode racial stereotypes and illuminate both similarities and differences between the rival Clowning and Krumping bands. From the face painting, to the fist pumping, to the way they perform their variation of the aptly titled Stripper Dance, each team has their own unique voice and energy and LaChapelle does a fine job of bringing that exceptionality to life.

Of the dancers showcased, three make the most vivid impressions. Johnson is a family man spending his days being ‘Tommy the Clown,’ spreading the gospel of Clowning to birthday parties and events throughout South Central. Then there is Dragon, a hard-nosed inner city kid who discovered dancing at 19 and now uses it to enrich the lives of everyone around him. But the true standout is Miss Prissy, the recognized First Lady of Krumping who has been expressing herself with dance since the age of four. Not the prettiest girl, she’s still a diva communicating both her outer and inner beauty with each twist of a wrist and thrust of her breast. More than that, her personal story is a stunner, impossible not to be moved by the young woman’s spirited determination despite all the chaos and tragedy surrounding her.

It all culminates in an event labeled the Battle Zone, an arena where crew faces crew in the ultimate Clowning versus Krumping showdown. Battle Zone is a celebration, not just of dance, but of these kids’ successful ability to triumph over drugs, gangs and bloodletting in search of a better, richer life. And even if that other world sometimes monstrously intrudes – Johnson’s home is ransacked by thieves while a 13-year-old dancer is killed in a senseless drive-by shooting – the sheer joy of what these groups have accomplished still manages to shine through.

If it isn’t a complete success, “Rize” is still a magnificent visual exercise. Mixing elements of hip-hop, ballet, gymnastics, street fighting and African tribal movements, both Clowning and Krumping are unlike anything I’ve ever seen. Dancers move at the speed of lightening, the camera almost unable to keep up with some of the motion, it nearly mutating into a giant spectacularly vigorous blur. For a debut, LaChapelle manages to craft a documentary that literally dances to a beat distinctively all its own.

Film Rating: êêê  (out of 4)