Lose Yourself in the Moment

Rating: 8/10 (23 January 2003)

8 Mile can be viewed two ways, a semi-autobiographical tale about Eminem, that seeks to make him more sympathetic, or as a general tale about growing in a rough neighbourhood and aspiring to be someone. The truth is it probably lies in the middle.
The film has a great opening with Eminem's, Jimmy Smith Jr or Rabbit to his friends, psyching himself up to contest in the ultimate challenge for an aspiring MC, a rap battle. Curtis Hanson directs this scene in a way which picks up on the emotions running through Rabbit, as he chokes at his big moment. The close ups of his face show his fear. Hanson is an actors director, something he'd shown to masterly levels in LA Confidential, and something he displays here with all actors given a chance to display their potential. He also deserves credit for making Eminem, ditch the Shady look, and the ego, and become the average looking nobody type.
The supporting cast do a great job, with Mekhi Phifer believable as Rabbit's best buddy Future and cool enough to pass as the MC who hosts the slams. Kim Basinger is suitably trashy as his trailer dwelling mother, who is sleeping with one of his former school comtemporaries. She creates enough pathos with her situation to have sympathy with her. Brittany Murphy generates enough sex appeal as Alex who seduces Rabbit, but is never dispisable despite the fact she appears to be sleeping her way to the top.
Special mention to, for Rabbit's one white pal, Cheddar Bob (Evan Jones). He is involved in one moment that demonstrates that this group are just street punks, and not gangstas, when he injures himself with his Mom's gun.
As for Eminem, he demonstrates that he has screen presence, always the focus even when he isn't doing anything. If we take the view that he's playing himself he does it well, but the fact is he seems to understand that you don't have to jump up and down screaming to give a good performance. Less is often more, and the shots of him in contemplation, as he travels to work on the bus are as good as his verbal assaults. Not that the final rap battles aren't extremely entertaining and exciting. Having seen so much CGI and explosions over the last year, it's nice to know as much adrenaline can be pumped with a bit of verbal. His final acappela assault, literally leaves his opponent speechless.
The ending also works out well, as Hanson doesn't allow Rabbit to suddenly become a star, but keeps him grounded in reality, by sending him back to work his factory job. The film's about aspiring to be somebody, but wanting to do it your way, on your own terms.
Is it Eminem the actor on screen or is it just Slim Shady. I don't think I know, but it's enthralling whatever.