8 Mile, directed by Curtis Hanson and written by Scott Silver, is a film with a familiar formula, in which the want-to-be performer (Eminem) first fails at his dream, then succeeds, is unhappy in romance but lucky in his friends. Jimmy Smith Jr (Eminem) plays a rather authentic youth who is rejected by his culture, and society at large, having only his dream to aspire to. This is not the first time, however, this type of film has featured popstars aspiring for a deeper ambition. Britney Spears and the Spice Girls have both tried to translate their musical careers into acting, but none as successful as Eminem.
What works with 8 Mile is it doesn’t overplay the notion of success. Yes, Eminem is exposed as a true star at the end, but the camera still sees him carrying a garbage full of clothes as if to symbolise a future full of success that has not quite reached him yet. The 8 mile in the films title, therefore leads us to believe that this is an autobiographical account of Eminem's life remains largely unknown but his role in the film will impact on represents a success that is always near, but just that extra 8 miles that we have to strive for. Whether the film the lives of many, particularly those who dream but never see them come true. Success is something that we all strive for, but our past and ourselves at large are the biggest obstacles in our dreams coming true and these are key themes that underpin the film. Overall, 8 Mile is a gritty, down to earth hip-hop drama and is surely not a victim of its own success.
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