Bomb It

Bomb It is a powerful and captivating documentary that explores the cultural phenomenon of graffiti, urban art, and street culture globally. Released in 2007, it was directed by the talented Jon Reiss and features graffiti artists Cope 2, Kid Acne, and Antonio among others.

Bearing a raw, vivid, and ardent gaze at the proliferating subculture of graffiti, “Bomb It” delves into the diverse motivations that drive graffiti artists all around the globe. Ever since its bold inception in the streets of Philadelphia and New York City in the 70s, graffiti has been growing steadily to evolve from being a revolt movement to an accepted form of street art, diffusing into fields as wide as fashion design, marketing, and gallery exhibits.

With interviews from notable artists like Cope 2, Kid Acne, and Antonio along with other international conduits of street art, Bomb It leaves no stone unturned as it traverses the global by lanes to paint a larger and coherent picture. The cast represents a blend of globally acclaimed graffiti artists, renowned contemporary artists, and street-savvy city natives, establishing a rich and diverse pool of voices talking about the art they live and breathe.

The documentary begins by following graffiti's origin in Philadelphia in the 1960s and moves to its development in New York City in the early 1970s. It then turns its lens to how the act of 'bombing' (quickly getting up graffiti onto surfaces) has propagated further afield, reaching as far as Tokyo, Barcelona, and São Paulo.

Throughout its journey, Bomb It appraises the various dimensions of graffiti, not just as a form of rebellion but as an expressive art form, a socio-political movement, and a creative outlet for marginalized groups. It highlights the law-defying nature of the act, where graffiti artists risk perilous brushes with the law and often deal with fierce hostility to produce this striking form of communication.

Cope 2, a legendary figure in the graffiti world from the South Bronx, speaks about the thrill of defying societal rules and norms. Kid Acne, a British artist, musician, and illustrator popular for his quirky style, puts forth the perspective of using graffiti as a medium to counteract the sterile urban environment. In contrast, Antonio, a graffiti artist from College Point, Queens shares the impact of the art form on his personal journey towards self-expression and identity.

Bomb It also illuminates on the changing perceptions towards graffiti, transforming from an act of vandalism to an accepted and celebrated form of art. The movie skillfully navigates through the ongoing debates about public space rights, where it questions the dichotomy between illegal street art and commissioned public art. It also touches upon the increasingly delicate balance between its commercialization and the original essence of street art.

The documentary never shies away from highlighting the controversy and conflict surrounding graffiti, examining its correlation with gang violence, social inequality, and corporate exploitation. There’s an insightful exploration of the struggle the artists often face to remain true to their roots while negotiating the mainstream acceptance of their art. The film toes a thin line, providing an uncensored viewpoint, showing respect for the art form while not condoning the illegal aspects associated with it.

To further enhance its raw and authentic feel, “Bomb It” makes considerable use of handheld camerawork and intense, fast pace editing to mimic the guerrilla-style nature of graffiti. The cinematography is crisp and vivid, bringing the explosive colors and intricate designs of the art to life, while the soundtrack pulsates with the same energy and defiance that the art form embodies.

In the end, Bomb It is not just about graffiti, it's about people, culture, and freedom of expression. It’s about the right to use public space, the showdowns with authorities, the commercialization and co-opting of the art form, and above all, artists’ relentless commitment to their craft. It's a remarkable exploration into an underworld art form, bringing its vibrant energy, brazen audacity, and social relevance to the mainstream. A must-watch for anyone fascinated by urban culture, social commentary, and bold expressions of art. It's an education, an inspiration, and an absolute riot of color and creativity.