Is Dave Chappelle really crazy or is he just being realistic? All surprise trips aside, comedian Dave Chappelle just wants to entertain us, in his own, peculiar way, which is made evident in his 2005 documentary “Block Party.”
In this film, its not all about the racially insensitive jokes made popular by Chappelle's very own Comedy Central show, “Chappelle's Show.” Sure, the show had its moments with memorable sketches like The Mad Real World and The Racial Draft, which lampooned various popular culture references and people.
However, for Chappelle, it was too much. He reached a point where his crew would be laughing wildly at the jokes Chappelle made about race and somewhere in between landing his own Comedy Central sketch comedy show and fleeing to Africa to get away from it all, I can assume that Chappelle simply did not go crazy; instead, he had a mental breakthrough.
As a journalist and actor, the hardest thing to deal with in the industry is getting pigeonholed into a certain role or typecast. In Chappelle's case, he was being groomed to be the next Richard Pryor: a black comedian with a penchant for making millions laugh at the racial and societal insensitivities that plague modern day America.
Chicago Sun-Times critic Roger Ebert says, “There is something about a $50 million contract that feels wrong to him, that threatens to build a wall between his personality and the way he likes to use it,” and though it might be not in the Chappelle’s best financial interest to pass up a $50 million contract, you can’t help but admire his dedication to himself and having an individual personality in a world where the press crucifies every flaw and fault of a celebrity or politician. He bravely stood up to what the world thought was popular and funny, and the true character of Chappelle's existence came to the surface. Who can blame him? He was at the height of hilarity and when he left, he was still on top. I cannot think of a single person who made that career move, quite simply because most celebrities and brands are greedier than the Wall Street fat cats that plunged our economy into a crippling recession.
Chappelle eventually ended up returning to the states after a much-needed hiatus in South Africa, where he said he “needed to do some soul searching.” Even after his arrival, the state of his mental health was called into question, but he perservered, like any unwilling celebrity, through the tabloid swamp.
One of the most endearing things about Chappelle in Block Party, which was shot after his trip to South Africa, he spoke candidly about those who practice music and comedy routines, pointing out the talents of those who helped him with the documentary. However, in regards to himself, Chappelle says “I’m mediocre at both and yet have managed to talk my way into a fortune. Life is a funny and unpredictable thing.” I can honestly say that I agree with this. How many times have you lied on a resume in order to get to that prized interview? It’s all about confidence, something that Chappelle clearly has up his sleeves, and from the amount of hip-hop and R&B artists who came to his “Block Party,” it is evident that his “mediocre” comedic talents have earned respect from his fellow peers, which is something that can far outweigh any crazy antics written by tabloids that might detract from Chappelle’s public image.
This film celebrates hip-hop culture by showcasing many influential artists who helped craft the genre. From the Fugees to the Roots and Kanye West—even Lauren Hill—a community of different cultures were brought together in the spirit of soul and hip-hop performances. However, not everyone liked the “Block Party” taking place. Though critic Michael Eric Dyson believes that “engaging and constantly critiquing hip-hop culture—and not dismissing or demigrating it—can older blacks possibly hope to understand the most influential form of black popular culture of the last quarter-century,” can the older generation grapple with the current hip-hop culture? I do not think so, and the movie supports my point. Director Michel Gondry chose to keep a older, white, hippie couple in “Block Party” because they feel that hip-hop promotes misogyny and foul language, which is totally acceptable. Some things may come off familiar to our generation, but for the baby boomers of the 60s’ and below, they may still view the world in black and white. Hip-hop is more than just foul language, and artists like Lupe Fiasco, among others, have taken steps to eliminate certain swear words and influences that may offend those who are not “into” hip-hop music.
There are other detractors as well. New York Post critic Kyle Smith says that “Block Party” is strictly for the fans of the musical acts and those who think everything Chappelle does is genius.” However, I think this film is more than just one, big concert in New York City. “Block Party” showcases a variety of different faces and alternative personas. There are musical artists performing between interviews and backstage glimpses, but the film succeeds in capturing each person’s individual community, whether they are black, white, young, old, or even crazy.
“Dave Chappelle’s Block Party” is a successful documentary that celebrates the triumph of diversity and change and promotes a positive hip-hop culture. Even though the media, as well as millions of individuals, may think Chappelle is “crazy” for walking out on such a large sum of money, the fact of the matter is: Money talks, but Chappelle certainly walks (away), opting to follow his passions and “create change” rather than “selling out.” Now, that's a sign of a true artist and comedian.
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