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Bitchin': The Sound and Fury of Rick James

Play trailer Poster for Bitchin': The Sound and Fury of Rick James 2021 1h 51m Documentary Music Play Trailer Watchlist
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100% Tomatometer 13 Reviews 62% Popcornmeter 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.
Bitchin': The Sound and Fury of Rick James

What to Know

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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Critics Reviews

View All (13) Critics Reviews
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 Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

View All (2) audience reviews
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 Read all reviews
Bitchin': The Sound and Fury of Rick James

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Cast & Crew

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Movie Info

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