8 Mile

8 Mile
Curtis Hanson Interview

From Academy Award winner Curtis Hanson (Director of L.A Confidential) 8 Mile is a provocative fictional examination of a critical week in Jimmy’s life. Starring multi-platinum recording artist Eminem in his first leading role in a feature film.

For Hanson, 8 Mile was an opportunity to once again explore a unique stratum of American culture, to peel back its layers and take a look at people struggling to find their way: "In 8 Mile, we are exposed to a world little known or visited in film, or in mainstream news coverage: impoverished America struggling to make it legitimately in the recesses of the inner city."

Hanson has also nothing but praise for Eminem's acting debut: “Marshall gave me all a director could ask for from an actor – enormous talent, focus, dedication and a total commitment to the story we were trying to tell. He came at the job with humility, respect and tremendous self-discipline."

Continue reading: 8 Mile - Director Curtis Hanson Interviewed

8 Mile
Eminem interview

From Academy Award winner Curtis Hanson (Director of L.A Confidential) 8 Mile is a provocative fictional examination of a critical week in Jimmy’s life. Starring multi-platinum recording artist Eminem in his first leading role in a feature film.

The people of Detroit know 8 Mile is the city limit, a border, the dividing line between urban and suburban, between black and white. It is also a psychological dividing line that separates Jimmy Smith Jr. (Eminem) from where and who he wants to be.

Survival is key in the lower harsh depths of Detroit, and for many, including Jimmy, the life preserver is hip hop. In the absence of nurturing parents, Jimmy and his friends have created their own family. It's this 'crew' that live on the hopes of getting that big deal.

Continue reading: 8 Mile - Eminem interview