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It ain't easy being a pimp. So we learn in
writer/director Craig Brewer's electrifying film,
about a Memphis pimp, DJay, who really wants
to be a rapper. It's the universal theme of the bad boy trying to make good
and escape from whatever it is - drugs, violence,
poverty - that is holding him back. What sets this
film apart, however, is clearly Terrence Howard. As DJay, he
is not only sexy and magnetic - it's almost sinful
how good-looking is - he infuses his role with such
smoldering intensity that he is sensitive and
vulnerable at one moment, and full of absolute rage
the next.
Though the audience does grow to care for
DJay as he starts to see his dreams of cutting a demo
come to fruition, Brewer doesn't let us
forget DJay is still a pimp and he'll do anything and everything
necessary to protect his livelihood. Hustle & Flow also features an amazing
supporting cast led by Taryn Manning (Eminem's jilted
ex in 8 Mile), and includes Taraji P. Henson (a
soon-to-be breakout star if there ever was one),
Anthony Anderson (TV's The Shield), and
rapper Ludacris.
With a heavy Southern twang, short skirt and a pair of
yellow platform lace-up heels, Manning is winning as
Nola, DJay's white hooker and most likely his best
friend, who goes from pitiful and lost to
proud and determined. Likewise, as DJay's very
pregnant, thus non-working hooker, Shug, Henson
brings a wide-eyed innocence and humor to her role,
making us
see that DJay's also capable of
love. Earning his own special shout-out is pencil-thin
actor DJ Qualls as a white music producer with an ear for hip-hop beats and a taste
for weed.
The soundtrack pumps with ferocious crunk beats and
raunchy rhymes, some of which are performed on screen
with impressive skill by Howard - he even raps! Shot
like a ‘70s blaxploitation flick loaded with
profane language, Hustle & Flow culminates in a way that is
unexpected, but satisfying all the same. Produced by
John Singleton (whose distinguishing touches like
low-rider cars and sudden explosions of violence are
evident throughout), the movie feels raw
and real; it definitely has soul. Tanya Chesterfield
July 23, 2005
