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★★★☆☆
2 August 2017
A movie review of PATTI CAKE$. |
“Bow down, the queen is in the building. Introducing Miss Patricia Dombrowski a.k.a. Patti Cake$ a.k.a. Killer P,” Jheri (Siddharth Dhananjay)
When you are asked by your boss to unblock a toilet, you know that it would be nice for life to be glitzier. PATTI CAKE$ is the New Jersey 8 MILE. How do you pull yourself out of poverty, especially when your father abandoned you, your mother is an alcoholic and you are saddled with the medical debt of your beloved grandmother (Cathy Moriarty)? The film might have been a dour social critique; instead it is an energetic, often funny, quietly scathing ode to hope. Optimism is arguably the difference between bitterness (aimed at those around you) and humanistic perseverance. Titular Patti (Danielle Macdonald) and Jheri introducing each other, as if at a gig, in a pharmacy, before being told off by pharmacist, captures the spirit of the story.
When you are asked by your boss to unblock a toilet, you know that it would be nice for life to be glitzier. PATTI CAKE$ is the New Jersey 8 MILE. How do you pull yourself out of poverty, especially when your father abandoned you, your mother is an alcoholic and you are saddled with the medical debt of your beloved grandmother (Cathy Moriarty)? The film might have been a dour social critique; instead it is an energetic, often funny, quietly scathing ode to hope. Optimism is arguably the difference between bitterness (aimed at those around you) and humanistic perseverance. Titular Patti (Danielle Macdonald) and Jheri introducing each other, as if at a gig, in a pharmacy, before being told off by pharmacist, captures the spirit of the story.
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PATTI CAKE$ does not rewrite the narrative rulebook (there are not enough surprises and too many diversions into formula), but the casting is where the film sings. Patricia Dombrowski is overweight and virtually nobody in the town lets her forget it. The only ones who don’t comment are those that truly care. Actor Danielle Macdonald is a real find, oozing charisma and oscillating across emotions believably. Best friend Jheri is a rambunctious singer and dealmaker. Basterd (Mamoudou Athie) is taciturn and a gifted musician. The trio are so likable; the movie is a joy in their presence.
Creativity as outlet and expression for frustration. Hip-hop seems to especially permit a new identity to be created. The three leads wear costumes as shields and confidence boosters. We see Patti’s daydreams. Her head is in the clouds as she floats up – the moment reminds of a similar flight of fancy in DIVINES. PATTI CAKE$’s multi-cultural cast is a real pleaser. Patricia is 23 and wants to shed the nickname “Dumbo” that has dogged her since high school. Jheri is a good Asian boy working at a pharmacy, who wants the glamour of the entertainment industry’s thug life. Basterd is broken after his mother’s death. His father is a lawyer, and one guesses has little time for his offspring due to a time-demanding profession.
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Basterd is played by Mamoudou Athie, who was the best thing about the first two episodes of THE GET DOWN (that is as far as I got before binning the show), as Grandmaster Flash. His voice is so engaging.
Anyone who tells the poor to get a better job should ask: What better job? The jobs available aren’t out of charity, and therefore should be paid a living wage. Patti is seen to be working two jobs while pursuing her dream. That level of hard work and drive is admirable. I guess those voting for right wing parties see what they want to see. PATTI CAKE$ does not hold back on its scathing commentary of the American healthcare system. Observations go further as to a lack of social civility. Some guy, losing a rap battle to Patti, headbutts her. There are grotesque citizens everywhere. A cop, with a blues band, automatically assumes Basterd is a perp – the scene does not need further underlining.
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Unfortunately, the film is annoyingly formulaic in places:
- Patti’s ugly duckling transformation.
- The break up of the group, which you know will come back together.
- The cold mother, Barb (Bridget Everett), crapping on the lead’s dreams, eventually realising the error of her ways.
It is a shame these obvious, superficial crowd-pleasing moments were not jettisoned. One did respect the celebration of artistic craftsmanship though, rather than the grating so-called talent shows on television that are just about finding a pretty face who can sing.
Basterd advises Patti to forget about your idols. A surprisingly good suggestion when it comes to creating art.
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