Dope (HBO) - 2015

About Dope (HBO)

"Dope" is a 2015 American comedy-drama film written and directed by Rick Famuyiwa and produced by Forest Whitaker. The movie revolves around a high school senior, Malcolm, who resides in a crime-heavy town situated in Inglewood, California. As a student who's obsessed with 90s hip-hop and navigates his way through the challenging environment of drugs and violence, Malcolm ends up in a challenging situation after an underground party he attends goes wrong. The story follows his efforts to remove himself from this messy situation while protecting his future college prospects.

Making / Production

Rick Famuyiwa's vision and writing, combined with Forest Whitaker's production, brought the movie to life. The film's uniqueness lies in its blend of 90s hip-hop culture, geeky charm, and the gritty reality of Inglewood's drug-filled neighborhoods.

Actors

• Shameik Moore as Malcolm - Moore delivered a nuanced, heartfelt performance as the story’s protagonist.
• TONY Revolori as Jib - Revolori plays Jib, who along with Diggy, is Malcolm’s closest friend. He portrayed the role with authenticity and humor.
• Kiersey Clemons as Diggy - Clemons brought personality to her character, Diggy, who contributes to the movie's character diversity as an openly lesbian member of Malcolm's band.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film premiered at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival.
• The film's title "Dope" is a slang term for drugs, awesome, and information – all central themes in the movie.
• Whilst being a comedy-drama, 'Dope' also integrates elements of crime and coming-of-age genres.

Awards

The movie Dope was a success on the indie circuit and received various nominations, including the prestigious Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival and Best First Feature at the Independent Spirit Awards.

Quotes

• Malcolm: "I'm from a poor, crime-filled neighborhood, raised by a single mother, don't know my dad, blah, blah."
• Diggy: "He's got more 90s hip-hop vinyl than any of the DJs."

Music, Soundtrack

• The movie's soundtrack brings the 90s hip-hop era back to life and features classics from Naughty by Nature, A Tribe Called Quest, and Public Enemy, among others.
• Pharrell Williams, who served as an executive producer for the film, also curated the soundtrack.