Bitchin': The Sound and Fury of Rick James

2021

1h 51m

Documentary

Music

List

100%

Tomatometer

13 Reviews

62%

Audience Score

Fewer than 50 Ratings

A raw and intimate documentary look at the wildly colorful life of legendary funk artist Rick James from acclaimed Director Sacha Jenkins. Original interviews with artists, collaborators and friends focus on the "punk-funk" music James left behind while illuminating his fearless attitude, social justice advocacy and bold musical aspirations. Featuring rare footage of James' incredible live shows and never-before-seen home video.

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Critics Consensus

Director Sacha Jenkins deftly celebrates Rick James' musical contributions without glossing over his flaws, making Bitchin' a clear-eyed and comprehensive dive through the funk icon's artistic highs and personal lows.

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Claudia Puig

FilmWeek (KPCC - NPR Los Angeles)

It pulls no punches... But it really showcases his considerable talent.

Sep 3, 2021

Full Review

John Anderson

Wall Street Journal

Bitchin: The Sound and Fury of Rick James, by director Sacha Jenkins, doesn't exactly rescue the proto funk-rocker from oblivion. It just gives him his overdue due.

Sep 2, 2021

Full Review

Glenn Kenny

New York Times

Fascinating and troubling viewing.

Sep 2, 2021

Full Review

Benjamin H. Smith

Decider

While Bitchin': The Sound and Fury of Rick James gives James the respect he deserves as an artist, it doesn't overlook the unseemly aspects of his life, behavior and art.

Oct 4, 2021

Full Review

Christopher Bourne

In Review Online

As much as the film celebrates and closely analyzes James' music, it also doesn't shy away from examining the darker side of his achievements.

Sep 26, 2021

Full Review

Andy Klein

FilmWeek (KPCC - NPR Los Angeles)

I liked it a lot, [but] I did not find him all that sympathetic.

Sep 3, 2021

Full Review

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Colt H

Omg this was fresh. Best thing I've ever watched. This deserves CF rating 😍😍😍😍

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/03/24

Full Review

Audience Member

Every generation including the ones not here yet, should find value, in the one and only Rick James. 🙏🏾💨💨

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/08/23

Full Review

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Sacha Jenkins

Director

Rick James

Actor

Sacha Jenkins

Screenwriter

Steve Rivo

Screenwriter

Jason Pollard

Screenwriter

Steve Rivo

Producer

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Synopsis

A raw and intimate documentary look at the wildly colorful life of legendary funk artist Rick James from acclaimed Director Sacha Jenkins. Original interviews with artists, collaborators and friends focus on the "punk-funk" music James left behind while illuminating his fearless attitude, social justice advocacy and bold musical aspirations. Featuring rare footage of James' incredible live shows and never-before-seen home video.

Director: Sacha Jenkins
Producer: Steve Rivo
Screenwriter: Sacha Jenkins, Steve Rivo, Jason Pollard
Genre: Documentary, Music
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Sep 3, 2021
Runtime: 1h 51m