Eminem: Behind the Lyrics
What makes an artist? In Eminem’s case, the once introverted misfit turned one of hip-hop’s most influential artists, art first blossomed at the intersection of severe adversity and raw talent. Eminem: Behind the Lyrics offers a loving insight into the artist’s journey from poverty to global superstardom.
Born Marshall Bruce Mathers III, Eminem spent most of his childhood without a father and without a mother who struggled with substance abuse. He often moved from town to town as he and his mother struggled in poverty. Landing in Detroit as a teenager in his formative years, he found himself one of the few white kids in a predominantly African-American neighborhood. His quest for personal identity took the form of rising hip-hop stars such as The Beastie Boys and 2 Live Crew.
At 14, he began writing his own lyrics. He was an urbane wordsmith, and his lyrics reflected the tragedies of his youth, including the suicide of his beloved uncle, the severe dysfunction that ruled his family life, and the abandonment of a father he increasingly resented.
The film most successfully pieced together Eminem’s traumas that defined Eminem as an outspoken, fearless, deeply confident artist. Beyond this origin, the filmmaker details the triumphs and controversies that shaped his 20-year career as a professional musician. We learned that he was under the tutelage of Dr. Dre and collaborations that push the boundaries of pop art and stand the test of time.
Equally celebrated and scorned, Eminem has long challenged the status quo with the raw honesty of his lyrics and his ruthless approach to social decorum. Despite these controversies—including allegations of homophobia and misogyny—his approach has ensured more than $100 million in record sales and widespread popularity across the genre.
Eminem: Behind the lyrics is a remarkable image of a complex artist who has done so much to change the course of popular music in the 21st century.
Directed by: Maureen Goldthorpe
