Style Wars (1984)

New York 1982: So the films first title card states. In a previous review I had expressed my love for the aesthetic of "The Big Apple" in the 1970's and early 1980's. This documentary is expressive of the artistic movement of the time. Poverty and degradation always produces great art and movements that alter popular culture. And it all begins with the underground: or the Subculture. In the late '70's, punk erupted from the Bowery, and in the Bronx came a series of artistic movements that eventually changed the world. From the ghettos hip hop was formed, along with the expressive street dance known as break dancing, which was developed from new, "mixed" beats, and along with this subcultural street form came graffiti. This was a completely new form of expression when this film was produced, but watching this now conjures much more.In the 21st century we have seen the rise of British graffiti artist Banksy, who has essentially revolutionised the form. Still keeping the allure of the artist-as-criminal (in the sense that he has never revealed his identity), Banksy commands millions of pounds/dollars for each piece that he has created. This year in his home town, Bristol, there has been a local government commission of graffiti that even extends into a piece sprayed on to a police station. This is a far cry from the criminality that graffiti held when this film was made. It's incredible that a major part of this once subculture now has become a part of the prime-time television that many watch today. The main thing I am thinking of here is the "street" dance group that was Diversity, who was successful on Britain's Got Talent. This would not have happened had it not been for the ghettos of New York's developing "breakin'". (as a side note, in 1984, the break dance movement was inevitably abused for a Hollywood movie, Breakin' (or as I remember it, Breakdance the Movie (1984)).(Note: as pseudo-gonzo writing (wow that's pretentious), I will go off on tangents in the review, as I am very interested in this subject).We follow in this film several, very young artists, who are incredibly passionate about their art. They are also very articulate. At various times we are shown the creation of pieces that clearly show that these are not random acts of vandalism, but are in fact carefully planned works of expression. As they outline the wall-art, they hold paper sketches that have been planned before "hitting the streets". As the graffiti was never going to be a permanent thing, these artist were smart enough to photograph most of what they created, which shows that they were aware of it's value. Without this much of these would be lost.Of course, just like any art form the quality is varied. But like all art, it is totally subjective. One persons art is another persons idea of the demise of civilisation. The New York art scene did, very early on, embrace this as a form of art, but it was still seen (and to be fair, largely still is) as vandalism. Pop art had previously revolutionised the art world in the 1960's in New York, particularly with Andy Warhol, and he was one of the first to see that graffiti was an extension of this form. He took into his flock Jean-Michel Basquiat, who had started as a street artist, and was catapulted in the art world. Unfortunately his life was short-lived as he died of a heroin overdose in 1988.The film does also highlight (however small it is) the opposite argument of the subject. The outcry of vandalism was palpable at the time. What is shown is the expensive process of the eradication of the "art". But this is less interesting than the world of these artists, who are absolutely involved in every part of these subcultural changes. Each are involved in the art, the dance and the music. On a personal level, I have always appreciated wall art. It certainly makes for more interesting sites on a train journey, when colourful, sometimes beautiful art, adorns the grey walls that line the railway lines. OK, so it's subjective. But then all art is.The contemporary aspect of the film does highlight the absolute racism of this art form. We see young whites interviewed who participate in the work, who say that, whilst the paint used is expensive, it is so much easier for them to enter a shop and purchase $100.00 worth of spray cans, whilst their black and Puerto Rican counter-parts have much problems when doing the same thing.A great piece of contemporary film making, that resonates with our 21st century life. Particularly when viewed with the popular success of our very own Banksy. Things may have changed, but street art is still a crime, simply as the general public cannot accept the difference between art that is displayed in galleries, and the art that we largely pass every day of our lives on our public walls (unless of course it has been authorised by the government).www.the-wrath-of-blog.blogspot.com

Subway Art had the graffiti pictures shot by Martha Cooper and for any up and coming writer this was your bible. So, naturally if you claim you know Hip-Hop and have never heard of Style Wars or Subway Art, well start with Style Wars the documentary and grab a copy of Subway Art. Style Wars was dead on in capturing the energy and youth movement in NYC. The music, art and dance are all there. This is an urban classic! Favorite: Talking to the kids in the Bronx at the "writers bench"Who knew that the art form (graffiti), music (Rap) and dance (breaking) would take the world by storm and become the commercial monster it is today. This is Hip-Hop culture in its most pure form, remembering this is a look at kids who formed a culture around street arts.

"Style Wars" is a certified classic that kept viewers intrigued for more than 20 years. The documentary is beautifully honest, exceptionally gritty, intensely fair, and wonderfully lively. While many hip-hop films will be forgotten, "Style Wars" remains the essential document for graffiti and hip-hop. True lovers of hip-hop must respect these artists who paved the way. This film educates us of a time and place when hip-hop inspired creativity, created peace within a dangerous atmosphere, connected races, and established the birth of a youthful urban culture. The movement's futility is a fascinating aspect. An artist's work could last forever on a canvas, but they choose to paint trains that may be washed or painted over within days. With little or no profit, the graffiti movement remains a vital aspect of hip-hop. If you don't believe me, ask Krs-One. There is something inside these revolutionary artists that transcends all cultural and societal limits. What makes these artists risk their lives (third rail, beef) or their freedom (police) to paint on a train that will be washed or painted over? Regardless of how futile their effort may be, their need to express themselves is the main element which empowers the culture. "Style Wars" is the classic definitive film that poignantly captures the birth of hip-hop. Ignore the toys! This Sunday evening, put on your gloves and your hoody, bring a couple of cans of Krylon, and go bombing for the fame!Review by Todd E. Jones - toddejones AT yahoo DOT com

Many in the world of Hip Hop already know this film in and out. For those with only a passing interest in Hip Hop culture and Graffiti, this film is a must. Any lover of great documentary film making would appreciate Style Wars. Any individual who remembers, or wants to see, what New York City was like in the 70's and 80's should view this film. There are so many reasons to watch Style Wars. For those of you who have seen the film on worn out VHS dubs and bootlegs, toss those old copies in the closet or give it to the 10 year old down the block and go out and get the DVD. The double disc set comes with , no joke, hours of extras. Interviews with the writers as adults, art galleries, outtakes, extra short films and so much more I can't even get into. This may be the closest we will get to a sequel. I was watching the discs for 3 hours last night and didn't get through everything. Style Wars is a small film worthy of the Big Treatment it has received on DVD from Plexifilm.