LA Originals

LA Originals, a Netflix original documentary, is a 95-minute cinematic journey that takes us into the heart of Los Angeles' urban, art, and gang culture. Released in 2020, directed by Estevan Oriol and featuring stars like Mister Cartoon, Snoop Dogg, and Eminem, the movie is a deep-dive into two decades of urban creativity, contextualized by the unique perspectives and experiences of its main stars.

The film opens with Estevan Oriol, who has evolved from being a bouncer for Cypress Hill and House of Pain to becoming a globally recognized photographer. Known for capturing the raw and unfiltered view of street life in Los Angeles, Oriol's discerning eye and personal connection to the subject matter provide the documentary a layer of authenticity that makes it stand out.

The second anchor of the film is Mister Cartoon, otherwise known as Mark Machado, an iconic and highly sought-after tattoo artist. Apprentice turned master, his murals and tattoo work, inspired by Los Angeles' low-rider culture and Chicanx lettering, have acquired a legendary status. His art, spread over customized automobiles and woven into the skin of celebrities and ordinary people alike, paints a telling portrait of Los Angeles.

The relationship between these two is fascinating, showcasing respect and camaraderie yet a fierce dedication to their personal crafts. Considered central figures in the urban art and music scene, the documentary uses their journeys to piece together a narrative that reflects the richness of Los Angeles' urban culture and their contributions to it.

The documentary provides a wealth of engaging material, starting with the early days of Oriol and Cartoon's careers. It walks viewers through the cultural dynamics of Los Angeles, capturing the vibrancy and adversity of the city's urban life, which deeply influenced their art. From the low-rider culture to the rise of Chicano rap, the film offers an insiders' view of how these cultural currents reverberated through the pair’s art, attracting global attention.

A significant segment of the film is allocated to exploring the world of hip-hop, with Oriol's role as tour manager and photographer granting him access to industry titans like Eminem, Snoop Dogg, and Cypress Hill. The documentary uses this access to shed light on how Oriol's and Cartoon's works found a symbiosis with the hip-hop industry, amplifying each other's influence.

The film expertly weaves together interviews, archival footage, and stunning photography. Many interviews offer a celebrity viewpoint, with stars such as Beyonce, George Lopez, and Michelle Rodriguez sharing their experiences with the duo. Meanwhile, the archival footage gives spectators glimpses into the ‘behind-the-scenes’ worlds of music tours, tattoo parlors, and photoshoots. This creates a highly engaging tapestry, filled with captivating anecdotes and insightful observations.

The film does a commendable job of exploring the darker side of Los Angeles, too. Oriol's photography unflinchingly captures gang culture, poverty, and the struggles faced by those living on the streets. There is a rawness and reality to the images that do not glamorize but rather humanize the subjects, creating a poignant counterpoint to the glitz and glam of Hollywood.

One of the distinct hallmarks of the LA Originals is its exploration of identity. The film positions both Oriol and Cartoon as key pillars in modern Chicano identity, shedding light on how their work helped express, shape, and globalize Latino culture. Through their art, the pair became cultural ambassadors, impacting not just the music and tattoo scene but also fashion, automotive design, and photography.

However, LA Originals is not just a documentary about art or music. It’s about friendship, identity, and the power that lies in staying true to one's roots. As the movie unfolds, it leaves us with a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of various cultural strands in Los Angeles and how they have shaped the wider world through the lens of two unique artists. Estevan Oriol and Mister Cartoon may be the film’s principal figures, but the real star of the show is the city of Los Angeles, painted in all its glory and grit, beauty and chaos, fame and struggle.

Immersive and inspiring, LA Originals is a love letter to Los Angeles, a testament to the transformative power of art, and a tribute to two men who dared to defy conventions, harness their creativity, and leave their indelible marks on culture across the globe.