Review: GV7
Because I suspect my latest review of a poetry documentary may not make it to the site that commissioned me for it, here is my review of Bob Bryan's "Graffiti Verite 7: Random Urban Static: The Iridescent Equations of Spoken Word".
It was not kind, but they've gotten a review from me before and it was somewhat tough, so I have faith.
To that end, I ( Read more... )
It was not kind, but they've gotten a review from me before and it was somewhat tough, so I have faith.
To that end, I ( Read more... )
This blog celebrates creativity in the world of ideas, exploring a wealth of artforms.
GV7 Testimony of the Undying Power of the Spoken Word
Don't worry about poetry losing its place in the world; it has many avenues through which it conveys its message. If all else fails, it can manifest itself in the one form that it has always done for centuries: the spoken word. This is the message director Bob Bryan conveys in his latest GV7 documentary entitled Random Urban Static: The Iridescent Equations of the Spoken Word.
The documentary presents a cross-section of Southern California Spoken Word artists who, in this two-hour presentation of diverse styles, show their determination to keep the word alive. Basically, these poets understand that there is so much static in the urban world, and the poet's role is turn the static into words. Expertly-captured selected words, this static turns into a message that can make our world a better place.
Here is a selection of poets who remain true to what they feel, to their sense of being, even in cases where they may have to use words to search for this humanity. And when they capture it, we capture and share it with them and those around us.
Watching this documentary, I came to know artists like Vejea Jennings, Eric Haber, Poetri, Nicholas Lopez, Natalie Patterson, GaKnew, Tim West and many others who remind us to cry if words dictate we do so, to talk about the problems of the world and listen to those whose views and ideals may differ from ours. Poetri, in particular, reminds us "to listen with our hearts" and expresses his wish that everyone on earth was a poet; then the world would be a better place. Of course, everyone is a poet; it's the extent to which we are willing to explore the poetry within and without that makes a big difference. The poets in this documentary have discovered the magic of the spoken word and are determined to keep it mending the ills of society.
One piece that stuck with me is "Letter to Hip hop" (by Bridget Gray) which joins the debate on the issue of hip-hop and social responsibility. The poet chants:
" Back that thinking up
I'm not backing that thing up "
***
" Stop calling yourself a n*gga
and call yourself a man"
Eric Haber, who claims that he was "conceived in the summer of love and [was] born in the winter of regret" says that spoken word has the power even to say even the wierd. Somewhere in that message, as another poet points out (Sekou tha misfit), there is a message that will help someone.
This documentary is a fine blend of interviews and performances which will leave you calling out for more; an inspiring, thought-provoking rendition of both the familiar and unfamiliar. Its artistry shows the commitment to the arts that director Bob Bryan continues to demonstrate.
GV7 Review by Emmanuel Sigauke
I am currently reading Kazuo Ishiguro, Ernest Hemingway, Nadine Gordmer, D.H. Lawrence, Dambudzo Marechera, and Leo Tolstoy, Yusef Komunyakaa, Christopher Vogler and Thomas Hardy
Reply
Reply
Here's another persons opinion and believe me I could go on and on and on...
Luis A. Lopez Review of GV7 RANDOM URBAN STATIC
GV7 is more than words, more than poetry... it's that elusive glimpse into the creative life we all seek.
Mr. Bryan captures the raw poetic world brilliantly in this film. He allows us to see beyond the words, beyond the ego, beyond the artistic surface. Don't expect a film like Slam. Let me be clear: these are not actors; these are true poets. Expression and heartfelt passion are sustained from start to finish. These poets love poetry and deliver, deliver, deliver.
The film is filled with vignettes of not only the poetry, but of the poets themselves. The resulting impact is extremely compelling and enriching. How many times have we seen only half the story? How many times are we left with soul-less pre-packaged MTV "art"?
The poets in this film are the living embodiment of the soul.
Having just finished the film, the grin is still on my face. Poetry is alive. Poetry is still from the heart. Poetry is here. Take a peek.
---Luis A. Lopez, Author Warrior-Poet of the Fifth Sun
http://www.luislopez.com
Luis López, born and raised in the diverse population of San José, California, currently resides in Chicago, Illinois.
Born to Mexican parents, López has never been far from the teachings, the ideology nor the spirit of his ancestors.
Reply
Reply
It's clear that you are a SW Slam Poet and you have heaps of personal issues, so I'm gonna back outta the door and leave you to your misery. I leave with my privacy and self-respect intact. Seek help dude seriously you need it. Cya...
Reply
And, yes, it's spamming. You didn't do one entry with a link to a bunch of reviews, you replied to a bunch of the original comments with cut and pasted reviews.
I'm not going to comment on your psychological state since, like you, I have no credentials at it. I'm glad you have your privacy and self-respect, though. Clutch them like a teddy bear tonight while you dream of a place where everyone shares your opinions, and likes everything you do.
Reply
Reply
Reply
Leave a comment