Far Better Than I Knew

Rating: 8/10 (27 July 2005)

I was not only surprised but overwhelmed by the quality of this movie, since I was really expecting a self-aggrandizing pity party explaining Eminem's provenance.
I was so wrong.
This movie is rich, dark, moody, enlightening, intense and very well done. I am probably one of the last people to see it, but if you haven't yet, grab it on DVD.
I really am amazed at Curtis Hanson. He does this to me every time. Same thing happened when I finally saw LA Confidential, which really does justice to Ellroy's gorgeously gritty book, and blew me away by far exceeding my expectations.
Another gem in 8 Mile is Eminem. Jeez! Who knew???? What the.....???? Somehow he manages to inspire in me all the respect I never wanted to have for him. I used to think he was an opportunistic jackhole who was riding the break he got for all it was worth. But in this movie I see an artist not only gifted but sensitive and responsive to the times. My God! Believe me, no one is more surprised than me... This movie is very very good.