Cinematic works such as Cypher (2022) present an intricate challenge for critics and reviewers, as even the slightest revelation of its plot could inadvertently diminish the impact of its meticulously engineered surprises. This film stands out due to its complex and interwoven narrative structure, replete with plot twists that often carry a metaphysical essence. Throughout its duration, the audience is continually left to ponder over the true puppeteer of the story’s unfolding – is it the director’s ingenious vision, the protagonist’s journey, or has the film itself transcended beyond the screen to assume an autonomous existence?
A Cinematic Conundrum: The Art of Withholding
I had the privilege of immersing myself in Chris Moukarbel’s cinematic tour de force during its screening at the 14th American Film Festival. Cypher is nothing short of a cinematic triumph, brilliantly navigating and merging the realms of documentary and fiction, presenting a tapestry that challenges and delights the viewer in equal measure.
The objective of this article is not merely to review but to ignite a fervent curiosity within potential viewers, enticing them to delve into the world of Cypher firsthand. Consequently, I will conscientiously abstain from revealing any further details of the plot. Nonetheless, I am eager to share some fascinating insights and facts about the film that do not encroach upon its narrative secrets.
Tierra Whack’s Ascension: From Viral Sensation to Cinematic Muse
Tierra Whack, a highly acclaimed rapper originating from Philadelphia, experienced a meteoric rise in her career, largely attributable to a viral video showcasing her freestyling prowess at the tender age of fourteen. This video, a product of the underground music collective ‘We Run the Streets,’ served as a catalyst for her ascent to stardom, culminating in a Grammy nomination and collaborations with luminaries such as Beyonce. Furthermore, her work has garnered praise from a plethora of esteemed artists, including Rihanna, Cardi B, and Billie Eilish, marking her as a significant figure in the music industry.
Before encountering Cypher, I was not acquainted with the artistic endeavours of Tierra Whack. However, post-viewing, I find myself deeply enthralled, having delved extensively into her discography available on Apple Music. The sheer ingenuity and creativity that permeate her music videos are undeniably remarkable.
Cypher, serving as both a cinematic exploration and a promotional vehicle for Whack, succeeds exceptionally well in both aspects. This success prompts fascinating reflections on the interplay between the film and the trajectory of Tierra Whack’s career, raising questions about narrative control and influence.
The Moukarbel Magic: Blending Reality with Fiction
Chris Moukarbel, the ingenious mind behind Cypher, is well-versed in creating influential documentaries. His 2017 film Gaga: Five Foot Two offers an intimate glimpse into the production and release of Lady Gaga’s album Joanne, showcasing his adeptness in this genre.
In an era where documentaries about musicians like Jennifer Lopez and Taylor Swift are gaining widespread acclaim, Tierra Whack and Moukarbel have introduced what might be the most innovative music mockumentary to date. While it can be perceived as a marketing strategy, it distinctly portrays Whack as an artist who relentlessly challenges and transcends traditional creative boundaries, thereby redefining the genre.
A Mockumentary Marvel: Redefining Genres with Cypher
Initially, Cypher presents itself as a conventional music documentary, meticulously chronicling the life and artistry of the celebrated rapper Tierra Whack. Yet, as the narrative unfolds, it undergoes a startling transformation, compelling the audience to question the very fabric of the reality depicted on screen.
The film takes a dramatic and unexpected turn when, following one of her electrifying performances, Tierra encounters a mysterious and enigmatic fan. This individual, cloaked in mystery, divulges a chilling conspiracy: Tierra has been marked by a secretive and powerful cult known as the Oculists. Renowned for their manipulation and control over the celebrity world and media empire, the Oculists are portrayed as puppeteers in the world of fame and influence. This fan alarmingly suggests that Tierra is their latest target, poised to become an unwilling instrument in disseminating the Oculists’ cryptic and potentially sinister agenda.
What ensues is a complex and riveting escalation of events that not only deepens the intrigue but also radically challenges our perceptions of the film’s genre and structure. Cypher distinguishes itself through its intellectual dexterity and creativity, artfully interweaving elements of reality with layers of fiction. This approach keeps viewers perpetually engaged and guessing, as the film deftly navigates through its intricate plot. Each time the audience believes they have deciphered the true nature of the film, it veers off into an unforeseen trajectory, demonstrating a profound mastery in cinematic meta-dialogue and storytelling. This transformative journey through Cypher not only entertains but also invites a deeper exploration into the realms of narrative complexity and the blurring lines between fact and fiction in cinema.
The Cypher Unraveled: A Dual Interpretation
Furthermore, the film’s title, Cypher, carries a multifaceted connotation, encapsulating dual meanings that enhance its allure and depth. Drawing upon the scholarly insights of Paul Watkins and Rebecca Caines in their erudite article Cyphers: Hip-Hop and Improvisation, the term ‘cypher’ in the context of hip-hop is delineated as a collaborative and spontaneous musical assembly. It is described thus:
“A gathering of rappers, beatboxers, and/or breakers, congregating in a circular formation, collaboratively and extemporaneously weaving a tapestry of music. This creative process is not solitary; rather, it is deeply entrenched in the participatory energy of the surrounding crowd and spectators, whose presence is integral to the vivacity and dynamism of the cypher.” (2014, p. 1)
This elucidation of a cypher illustrates it not merely as a performance but as a cultural ritual, a symbiotic interplay involving not only the artists but also the audience. This interaction fosters a dynamic exchange of energy, engendering a resonance that pulsates through every participant, creating a communal experience transcending the individual.
Conversely, in a different yet equally intriguing vein, the Cambridge Dictionary presents ‘cypher’ as:
“a system of writing that prevents most people from understanding the message”
This interpretation introduces an element of enigma and exclusivity, suggesting a concealed, perhaps arcane, layer of understanding. The dual interpretations of the term ‘cypher’ collectively bestow the film’s title with an aura of mystery and intrigue, subtly hinting at layers of meaning that are perhaps accessible only to the initiated or the discerning.
This duality raises provocative questions about our role as viewers. Are we, as the audience, unwittingly inducted into a select group, secret participants in Moukarbel’s and Whack’s cinematic ritual? Might the film itself represent a cypher, a complex and captivating construct designed to engage not only our minds but our very beings in its narrative labyrinth? Such interpretations invite a deeper engagement with the film, prompting us to explore beyond the superficial and delve into the myriad layers of meaning that Cypher potentially embodies.
Philosophical Underpinnings: Plato’s Cave and the Cinematic Experience
What is more, Cypher masterfully provokes deep philosophical inquiries related to the cinematic experience by employing familiar techniques and structures, and then artfully deconstructing and recontextualizing them. This process actively challenges the conventional interpretations and implicit meanings we commonly associate with these elements. The film’s nuanced allusion to Plato’s allegory of the cave is particularly noteworthy, as it has frequently been analogized to the experiences of cinema audiences.
Plato’s allegory, a cornerstone of philosophical thought, is founded upon a narrative where prisoners are confined within a cave. Their reality is limited to the observation of shadows projected onto a wall, these shadows are cast by objects held by unseen individuals. This scenario symbolizes the human tendency to rely solely on immediate sensory perceptions, often leading to a superficial understanding of the true essence of reality.
In the context of cinema, this allegory suggests that films are merely representations or ‘shadows’ of reality, rather than reality itself. Cypher, with its innovative and genre-defying approach, encourages viewers to adopt a more critical perspective towards motion pictures. As Nathan Andersen eloquently articulates in his book Shadow Philosophy: Plato’s Cave and Cinema (2014, p.8), this perspective involves moving beyond mere appearances to examine the processes by which we make sense of these visual representations. It also involves scrutinizing the assumptions and values that we derive from and bring to these cinematic experiences. Andersen argues that such a critical stance not only enriches our understanding of motion pictures but also guides us in navigating the broader spectrum of appearances in our everyday lives.
The Intellectual Labyrinth: Concluding Thoughts on Cypher
In conclusion, Cypher can be best described as an intellectual labyrinth. This masterfully crafted film challenges its viewers to embark on a journey of questioning the very fabric of reality, the nature of art, and their own role within the cinematic experience. This movie is a quintessential watch for those with a penchant for films that transcend conventional storytelling, preferring to delve into deeper, more enigmatic realms. Its intricate plot and thought-provoking themes are sure to captivate and stimulate the minds of its audience, leaving them pondering long after the credits roll.
Works Cited:
Andersen, Nathan. (2014). Shadow Philosophy: Plato’s Cave and Cinema (1st ed.). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315814902
Watkins, Paul & Caines, Rebecca. (2014). Cyphers: Hip-Hop and Improvisation. Critical Studies in Improvisation / Études critiques en improvisation. 10. 10.21083/csieci.v10i1.3518.