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Managing editor & film and television critic with a Bachelor's of Arts in English Literature with a Writing Minor from the University of Guam. Currently in graduate school completing a Master's in English Literature.
The above thumbnail photo for this article is credited to Pretty Boy Docko, LLC.
Has it really been just nearly two years since the controversy surrounding Rakim Athelaston Mayers? Better known as rapper A$AP Rocky, Mayers reportedly went through a criminal justice investigation in Stockholm, Sweden. Those who remember what happened back in Summer 2019 will know of the seemingly then-alleged assault on two teenagers. The incident was film-recording and went viral, and news of the event itself went international.
The following article will discuss Stockholm Syndrome, a documentary about A$AP Rocky. Since it is a biographical film, spoilers are non-existent.
Plot Summary
The following is the plot synopsis on The Architects’ documentary.
While on tour in Sweden, Harlem-bred rap star A$AP Rocky found himself incarcerated after a violent incident caught on video. This harrowing experience leads to an unexpected awakening about politics, equity, and the true value of freedom.
This film features appearances from celebrity Kim Kardashian, the rapper’s managers John Ehmann and John Terzian, members of the ASAP Mob, and more.
Discussion
To properly review this film, I wanted to go in with the fact that I don’t know all that much about the rapper. In doing so, I show no biases whatsoever toward the rapper and the opposing parties of the trial.
Stockholm Syndrome is a radiant documentary. It does not go so deep into Rocky’s milieu, but goes so far just to explain the context of the situation. Much of what I liked about the film comes from the richness of Nathan Prillaman’s musical composition as well as that of Pierce Robinson and Jeff Louis Peterman’s cinematography. There are some archival footage and Rocky’s own music out in the world that are published already. Although, Robinson, Peterman, and Prillaman made and integrated cinematic elements (sound and framing) that is just congruous with what exists.
Unfortunately, there is no filmed recording of the trial itself. Instead, it is replaced with a photographic reenactment. On a somewhat brighter side, a claymation scene of Rocky in his Kronoberg Remand Prison cell makes up for this.
Themes
The film dives into and explores an array of thematic concepts, which helped me learn about Rocky’s social and macro-level background. I will name and describe just a few.
Fashion
The film highlights the rapper’s passion for fashion. This is corroborated by some friendly figures of high-status. This includes fashion designer Michèle Lamy, model Naomi Campbell, and fashion manager Matthew Henson.
Fashion is tied in so well with Rocky’s love for music and rapping.
Family
Rocky grew up with a family like everyone else. It may not be perfect, but things worked out while they could. He would watch horror movies such as Leprechaun and Child’s Play with his sister. His mother likened childhood Rakim to Denzel Washington. His late father taught him how to be a gentleman, while his late brother guided him on a path away from the thug life.
His fellow musician friends are also part of his extended family. I much liked the segment about A$AP Yams, who explained the meaning behind ASAP. “Always Strive And Prosper. We try to accumulate status and power. We always stack and paper-chas[e].” Rocky discusses the life of his fallen groupmate.
On a more positive note, I also loved a following segment about another close friend, Tyler, the Creator. This rapper performed a freestyle rap on Funk Flex titled, “Free Rakim.” This, I know all too well. (If you are not familiar with it, you can search for it online.) Tyler’s rap was what helped cheer Rocky up while imprisoned.
Racism
The incident launched awareness about the racism that exists not just in the United States but generally around the world. In Stockholm Syndrome, Rocky discusses why it must be put to an end. “People will have this perception of rappers being belligerent, ignorant, or trouble-makers. In reality, I was just minding my business. Actually doing what a normal person would do when they go to a foreign country.”
Rocky’s fans and close allies (such as Kim Kardashian and Kanye West) campaigned for the rapper to be released from prison. This went so far as to having then-US President Donald Trump lend a hand. After his release, Rocky was asked to thank the president, and he saw this as a political “chess move.” Trump is infamous for his twisted perceptions of minorities, so expressing gratitude might have felt difficult to do. Even Rocky says that the President “made [the situation] a little worse.”
Belief
The sociopolitical experience changed Rocky’s out of sight, out of mind perception on global issues such as racism. Prior to the arrest, he did not really understand the concept of Black Lives Matter. Afterward, this changed him. In the documentary, he says:
I was wrong. … [E]verybody has a story where I come from. They got worse stories. We’re in a day and age where hip-hop was cool to flaunt your struggle to the point where some people make it up. For me, I know what I’ve been through. That shit really happened, so I just try to give a different perspective of the same story. [I need] justice for all of us.
The incident changed the rapper and the world in many ways than we would believe. It shone a light on matters, and A$AP Rocky thought it best to raise awareness and money to donate to prison inmates of reformation. This is what Black Lives Matter is all about: spreading the word. Even when Swedish policemen tried to cover up the incident by taking Ehmann’s phone and other means of communications, Rocky and his followers persevered.
More Than Just a Documentary
With a runtime of about one hour and forty-seven minutes, Stockholm Syndrome is not just any documentary. It is more than a biography. It is about music, fashion, race issues, and other sociopolitical issues. Rick Rubin describes it best. In the documentary, he states, “[A] film might replace what an album used to be. Like the thing that we remember about an artist for a period of time might be the film.”
A$AP Rocky provides a clear reason why rap and (overall) hip-hop should be revered as a genre of music. He states:
The reason why hip-hop is universal is because people connect to it form a poor [person’s] perspective. It doesn’t matter what reason you [come] from. It’s still gon’ be rap. You still gon’ talk about the struggle. Life is the same everywhere I go. The experience opened my eyes. I feel like that I have a platform and I should be more vocal and try to do something to change [the world] for the better. For the youths because I’m here for [people] who look like me.
Final Thoughts
With all the interviews, persons, and themes included into this film, I believe it was succicnt enough to get the point(s) across. Watching this film solidified my appreciation for the hip-hop genre and for people who are a part of it. Rocky included. He says, “I’m human like the rest of us, and I have doubts too sometimes, but I stick to my guns. … If I do anything, I gotta execute to the most extreme level that I can. That’s how you stay on top of yourself.” Overall, you will need to see this documentary to know for yourself just exactly why such matters and issues are important.
Stockholm Syndrome is available to watch at this year’s Tribeca Film Festival.
Have you seen this film? If you have already, what are your thoughts on it? Let us know! For more biography, documentary, fashion, and music-related news and reviews, follow The Cinema Spot on Twitter (@TheCinemaSpot) and Instagram (@thecinemaspot_). You can also catch us on Facebook (TheCinemaSpotFB)!
Managing editor & film and television critic with a Bachelor's of Arts in English Literature with a Writing Minor from the University of Guam. Currently in graduate school completing a Master's in English Literature.
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