The Carter

I was completely unfamiliar with Lil Wayne's rap music before I watched this movie. While I can't say that I am a newly converted fan, I feel that he is undoubtedly an artist in the truest sense. He exists in his own world, makes his art pretty much for himself because he has to, and is utterly dedicated to his art, whether or not anyone else considers it art. The fact that he is a commercial success is just cake. This guy could be doing any other sort of art and be the same person as far as I can tell. He reminds me of another great unique artist, Syd Barrett. I have no idea how harmful his Syzzurup is, I just hope it doesn't kill him and leave the world with another brilliant casualty. He is definitely an "out there", bizarre person, and who knows what he'd be doing if he didn't find a creative outlet. I find him completely fascinating and I was moved by at least a couple of his pieces. I don't care for the p***y and drugs stuff, and I don't know that he really does either, but he sure knows how to apply them to his art. The guy is just a bottomless creative force, and I think it's great that he has an audience. I will definitely try to stay informed about his career.

First and foremost let me clarify all the bias and ignorant, yet frequent, comments that are swirling around "The Carter": this film does not glorify Lil Wayne. Period. What it DOES glorify, however, is his addictive and downright inhuman work ethic. The man does not stop...ever. Recording over 1000 songs in the year 2008 alone is a perfect example of his constantly-creating lifestyle, in which he somehow manages to raise an adorable (and loving) daughter, all while forever-high off his choice of drugs: Promethazine syrup and lots and lots of marijuana. It is inarguable that Wayne is far from a normal, functioning human being...and if that isn't an engaging film premise, I don't know what is.

The film begins with montages of Wayne recording songs in his tour bus and hotel room, places that only HE manages to make music in. It's safe to say that, along with Wayne himself, his manager Cortez Bryant is the "narrator" of the film, sharing his opinions and love for the artist through interviews and footage of his constant phone-calling and dollar sign negotiations.

The film is very "Tyson"-esque in the sense that you are brought into the mind of this bizarre individual by the individual himself. When asked the question "What would you do if you were President?", he answers "I would put cocaine back into Coca-Cola, I would legalize marijuana first AND second. Then I would eliminate all drug-use laws in sports: if you wanna take steroids, that's cool with me...as long as you playin' good." You can't help but laugh at the sheer foolishness of the man's comments, however Wayne has no shame in being downright immature; this is HIS world that he's explaining. We just all live in it.

As "The Carter" dives into his self-destruction drug addictions, we see a darker side of the artist, a side that his manager barely even comments on for he is "too heartbroken to see him like that." Once again, no one in Wayne's extensive clique of assistants and errand-runners support or enjoy his addiction...and he doesn't expect them too. "Who gives a f--k what I'm drinking or what I do or what's in my cup? It's in MY cup!" This is practically common sense to Lil Wayne, confused as to why everyone cares what he does. He's going to do it either way, whether we like it or not. We might as well all just accept it now.

The film doesn't shove anything in your face or add unnecessary melodrama. It doesn't portray the addicted martian-like rapper as an icon or role model whatsoever. It simply takes you for a ride into the world and mentality of Lil Wayne, such a bizarre, conceited, and uncomfortable place that it is ultimately somewhat of a wonder. This film exposes us to the real Lil Wayne, one of the most interesting characters ever put on video.

Adam Bhala Lough is a director who's all flash with no substance. I thought "Bomb The System" was empty chop chop chop unoriginal stuff. Now here he is with The Carter and once again the movie is all style, no center. Hip-hop is a culture and music that needs originality, or it will die. Lil' Wayne has brought a little bit of originality to the game in the last couple years. But Bhala Lough can't match him, so what we get is MTV style visuals, making the film feel dated and tired. There's no risk taking and in the end the movie feels deflated, as opposed to energized. I kept waiting for the movie to take a breath and do some thing original, but it never did. I think Bhala Lough would be great in Hollywood making movies like Brett Ratner. He's the next Brett Ratner.

This may be one of the most compelling and interesting documentary ever made of such a unique person and artist. It hides nothing showing everything about Wayne and his world. Wayne is such a character that no one has ever seen before in cinema history. Who at times is really crazy and outrageously weird. This shows how original and different Wayne is making the documentary more entertaining because the kind of character being presented. He does and says what he wants when he wants. With originality and talent which does make him the greatest rapper alive right now. If you are not Wayne fan this documentary may be a waste of your time but Wayne fans will really enjoy this beginning to end.

I'll begin by saying that this documentary is for anybody and everybody -- doesn't matter if you're into hip-hop/rap/Lil Wayne or not. This is what documentaries are meant to be: a glimpse into a fascinating slice of life otherwise unavailable to the viewer; an account that's unbiased and without agenda.

My knowledge of Lil Wayne was minimal before my first viewing of "The Carter." Personally speaking, I was blown away. My respect and admiration for Mr. Carter and his work ethic (and his work) sky-rocketed. The experience was heartbreaking, hilarious, upsetting, inspiring; full of the complexity inherent in life, as one would expect, especially from such a polarizing figure.

Spending some time in his world made it clear: Lil Wayne is the result of lifelong dedication and endless hard work; an artist to the core, a living legend -- an American treasure, no doubt, rough around the edges or not -- on my daddy's soul.