Watch American Dream/American Knightmare

American Dream/American Knightmare is a compelling documentary film that explores the life of one of the most powerful figures in the history of hip-hop music, Marion 'Suge' Knight. Directed by Antoine Fuqua, the movie delves into the story of Knight, who rose to fame as the founder and CEO of Death Row Records, a record label that helped popularize the genre of gangsta rap in the 1990s.

The film chronicles the rise and fall of Knight, who was a controversial and often violent figure in the music industry. His life story is told through a series of interviews with friends, colleagues, and former associates, as well as Knight himself.

The movie paints a complex and nuanced picture of Knight, a man who was often portrayed in the media as a villain. The documentary shines a light on his upbringing in Compton, California, where he was raised by his mother and grandmother. It also explores his early career as a football player and his foray into the music business as a bodyguard for the rap group N.W.A.

The film highlights the challenges that Knight faced as a black man in the predominantly white music industry of the 1990s. It examines how he used his power and influence to challenge the status quo and pave the way for other artists of color.

However, the movie does not shy away from the less flattering aspects of Knight's life. It delves into his rumored ties to the Bloods gang, as well as his involvement in a number of violent incidents, including the famous altercation with his former business partner, Dr. Dre.

Throughout the movie, we see Knight grappling with the consequences of his actions, from his financial difficulties to his legal troubles, which eventually culminated in his incarceration for murder.

Despite the negative portrayal of Knight in many media outlets, the documentary presents him as a complicated figure who was both a product of his environment and a disruptor of the status quo. The movie humanizes Knight, painting him as a person who was capable of both great acts of generosity and terrible acts of violence.

In addition to the interviews, the film is spliced with archival footage of Knight's performances and interviews. The documentary also uses animation to recreate some of the key moments of Knight's life, including his early years in Compton and his turbulent relationship with Tupac Shakur.

Overall, American Dream/American Knightmare is a well-made documentary that offers a nuanced and compelling look at the life of one of the most controversial figures in the history of hip-hop music. It is not afraid to tackle difficult topics or to present a complex portrait of its subject. As such, it will appeal to both fans of Knight's music and to those interested in the broader cultural and social context in which he lived and worked.

American Dream/American Knightmare is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 25 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.1.