You know he's white, right?
Nah, he just light skinned!

Warning: Very Minor Spoilers

I really enjoyed Hustle & Flow. This makes sense, it was on many awards and top 10 lists this season, so I expected it to be an excellent movie. Although I guess there are lots of excellent movies that I don't enjoy.

The thing that caught me about Hustle & Flow is they were unrelenting about the environment the movie took place in. The movie is exclusively in this run down, and frankly depressing, neighborhood in Memphis. I feel this oppressive sense of despair watching it all - and then wonder why I get so stressed about which of my many upper-middle class career options I'll choose.

There's this thing about people who have big dreams and some talent, but not quite all the pieces lined up. They get all impatient, the concept of a big break is harmful. People think they'll be able to make it big and just instantly leave all that behind.

I think that's the toughest thing. The protagonist, Djay, has drive and talent and is able to hold his life together long enough to make something small, but good, happen. The story turns tragic when he can't parlay that good thing into an instant break. But if he'd been a little more patient and smart - he could have parlayed it into mild success at first, with maybe more later.

This is how most of the word ends up being successful. Do something good, enjoy some success. Get better at it. Do something a little better, get a little more success. Then just keep building that process until you top out at your ability and dedication level. This whole concept of instant stars is damaging, especially since we only see the instant aspect of it, we don't see the years of hard work most of those stars put in as foundation work.

Anyway, it's a good movie, and their Oscar winning best song is also excellent. Though the main plot of the movie is writing that one song, so I guess it better be good.

Public service announcement: If you're sensitive about domestic abuse or prostitution, approach with caution. There's plenty of both in this movie.

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