Realism vs. Formalism -- Eminem\'s

Realism vs. Formalism -- Eminem's "Without Me"

Realism and formalism are two common artistic approaches employed in the creation of film. The realistic approach to filmmaking entails ascribing the characters and plot to an objective interpretation of reality. Realism is concerned with providing a depiction that accurately reflects and conveys the surrounding world and its inhabitants. Formalism, however, departs from an objective reality and provides a more subjective experience for the viewer, one which is not necessary consistent with an accurate reflection of the world. As a result, formalistic film tends to be more exaggerative and flamboyant than realistic film. The following essay will examine the music video "Without Me" by hip-hop artist Eminem, and consider why its visual style is an excellent example of formalism.

In the music video "Without Me," Eminem mocks a variety of his critics through a series of surreal situations and caricatures. The overarching storyline depicts Eminem and Dr. Dre as superheroes, parodying characters such as Batman and Robin, who abscond into the night in order to stop an underage boy from playing one of Eminem's albums which contains explicit lyrics. This main storyline is periodically interrupted with fantastical circumstances in which Eminem lampoons his assorted critics or provides his perception of himself and his music within the music world.

From the beginning of the video, there is an obvious formalistic approach and departure from reality. The video begins with Eminem waking up next to Jenna Jameson, a porn star, and Kiana Tom, a model, whose names are pictured above their heads. The storyline is narrated with comic book style text and depictions of punches with "Krak!" And "Zap!." Sumo wrestlers, giant rabbits, and other peculiar denizens are frequently shown and on occasion are visible within cartoon-like comic book pages. Eminem is also portrayed in a variety of bizarre situations, including an emergency room, an infomercial with Dick Cheney, a national talk show with a fictional Sandy Messy Lezbial, and MTV's reality show "Real World." Throughout, Eminem is shown multiple times rapping in front of a giant bouncing "E" and on several occasions plays outside characters, including his own mother and an audience member. Interpolated between these disjointed situations is the main storyline of Eminem, dressed as a parody of Robin from Batman and Robin, with Dr. Dre heading toward the house of a young boy who has purchased one of Eminem's albums. When Eminem and Dr. Dre finally arrive at the boy's house, Eminem uses his "powers" to prevent the boy from playing the album and points to the explicit lyrics sticker on the CD casing.