DMX: Don't Try to Understand is a 2021 American documentary film directed by Christopher Frierson and Clark Slater. The film follows a year in the life of American rapper DMX. It was released on HBO Max on November 25, 2021.
| DMX: Don't Try to Understand | |
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 Promotional poster | |
| Directed by |
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| Produced by |
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| Starring | DMX |
| Cinematography |
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| Edited by |
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| Music by | Jackson Greenberg |
Production companies |
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| Distributed by | HBO |
Release dates | |
Running time | 79 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Summary
editThe film is focused on a year in the life of DMX, following him after his release from prison (after serving a year for tax evasion) in January 2019 as he attempts to rebuild his music career and reconnect with family. It also tracks his career, from his rough upbringing in Yonkers, New York, to his successful debut in the late 1990s. The rapper died on April 9, 2021.[1][2]
Cast
edit- Earl "DMX" Simmons
- Desiree Lindstrom
- Tashera Simmons
- Xavier Simmons
- Exodus Simmons
Release
editIn December 2020, the film was picked up by HBO/Ringer Films and added to the Music Box series, executive produced by Bill Simmons.[2] It had its world premiere at Doc NYC on November 23, 2021, and on HBO on November 25, 2021.[3]
Reception
editJulian Kimble of GQ called the film "a difficult watch," concluding that "DMX died trying to do right, but unable to escape demons that followed him for decades."[4] Johnny Loftus of Decider wrote, "With its equal notes of resilience, chronic self-destruction, outsized talent, and a troubled personal life, DMX: Don't Try to Understand offers a compelling portrait of a rapper gone too soon."[5]
References
edit- ^ Aswad, Jem (19 November 2021). "Watch the Trailer for 'DMX: Don't Try to Understand' Documentary on HBO". Variety. Retrieved 7 December 2021.
- ^ a b Saponara, Michael (26 November 2021). "HBO's DMX Doc Provides a Turbulent Snapshot Into Late Rapper's Final Year on the Road". Billboard. Retrieved 7 December 2021.
- ^ "HBO RELEASING A DOCUMENTARY ABOUT DMX CALLED, DMX: 'DON'T TRY TO UNDERSTAND' + DESIREE LINDSTROM TALKS ABOUT IT". Hot 97. Retrieved 7 December 2021.
- ^ Kimble, Julian (26 November 2021). "HBO's New DMX Documentary Captures Him as He Died: In the Midst of a Fresh Start". GQ. Retrieved 7 December 2021.
- ^ Loftus, Johnny (25 November 2021). "'DMX: Don't Try To Understand' on HBO, Capturing An Eventful Year In The Rapper's Tumultuous Life". Decider. Retrieved 7 December 2021.