Film Night: 8 Mile (2002)

I'm about as white and middle-class as you can get; I don't know squat about rap music, gang culture or 'living on the street', but I love 8 Mile simply because it's a great story - well told, well acted and well directed.

The big revelation is Eminem (aka Marshall Mathers). Here is one musician who can really act, but just doesn't seem to get - or want - the leading roles his talent merits.

Good news though he is scheduled to appear next year as Paladin in Have Gun - Will Travel (based on the 1950's TV and radio Western show about a gentleman bounty hunter).

That the story is quite possibly based, in part, on Eminem's own life probably adds to the verisimiltude, but that only makes it that much more interesting a tale to visit.

A rare film that never seems to put a foot wrong - even if you don't "get" rap battles, you can appreciate the skill and focus required, as in any 'competitive' situation - and stands up to multiple viewings.

At it's heart 8 Mile is simply an archetypal sports film - which everyone can relate to - with the rap battles substituting for football, baseball, golf, boxing, whatever with all the usual "underdog makes good" tropes.

It also doesn't hurt that Brittany Murphy, who plays Alex (the part-time girlfriend of Jimmy Smith, Eminem's aspiring white rapper character) makes me think of sleazy Slayer from Buffy The Vampire Slayer. Kim Basinger also turns in a top performance as Jimmy's trailer park mum while ER's Mekhi Phifer provides good support as the 'battle organiser' Future.

Next week: The 40-Year-Old Virgin.