Dave Chappelle's Block Party Full Documentary

In 2004, extremely popular American comedian and actor Dave Chappelle met French director Michel Gondry (of various pop videos and [film]Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind[/film[ fame). Dave wanted to get his assorted musician friends together for a concert somewhere. Gondry suggested that, regardless of the location, the concert should really mean something to the people who actually live there.

Dave Chappelle's Block Party

Considering that many of Dave's buddies are from Brooklyn, New York, a street in that neighborhood quickly seemed like a good place. Considering Dave's buddies go out of their way to remember their roots and include Kanye West, Mos Def and The Fugees, the residents seemed to be looking for quality hip-hop with a local flavor. Considering Dave's success as a stand-up, the enterprise could also be fun.

Chappelle succeeds by assembling a great line-up, hosting the concert as a free sidewalk block party, meeting and greeting residents for a once-in-a-lifetime event, and frequently giving the funnies for the camera and the crowd. The combination of killer music, insight into the lives of the locals and Chappelle's sharp social satire make for a very entertaining film.

Dave Chappelle's Block Party Trailer

After Chappelle and others in the week leading up to the party, the rehearsal sessions and on stage, everyone has something interesting to say and Chappelle is always an engaging lead for us. Sometimes he's just damn funny.

He also took the bus for the people of his small Ohio hometown, giving many their first chance to go to New York. The episode where he invites the entire State University marching band to open with Kanye West is one of the many great recordable moments.

Dave Chappelle's Block Party Full  Documentary

Gondry's direction and Ellen Kuras' cinematography are enough to keep up with Chappelle, but the multiple handheld cameras during the party provide some excellent concert footage. The clever editing mixes well-framed shots with a more roaming, raw style to truly convey the live atmosphere and sense of location/occasion to chilling effect. With some mesmerizing sets from the artists, daring you to keep your head still, you get that inescapable feeling that the best concert documentaries provide. Something truly memorable has happened and it's definitely worth watching vicariously.

If you don't like quality hip hop or Dave's style of humor, this may not be for you. But you are missing out. It's both entertainment and an audio document of a special moment in Brooklyn one day in September 2004.