Though I am in no way a fan of their type of music nor do I think I have ever heard their music, I have heard Insane Clown Posse. Probably because of all the controversy surrounding them. This doc is not here to debate their musical talent or validity. Rather it is centered around a case the rap duo has brought against their own government. A case which involves the First Amendment in the American Constitution. An important case. Who would have thunk it!
The case has sprung out of an ongoing, long-term conflict the members of Insane Clown Posse have had with the FBI. It is because the FBI in 2011 declared that the group Juggalos was a gang. This did not sit well with Shaggy 2 Dope and Violent J and, with the help of the ACLU, they took up the fight to rid the Juggalos of that designation.
Now, another group I am not familiar with is the Juggalos. I am pretty sure not many reading with will be either. One way to categorize them is that they are big fans of Insane Clown Posse. The members of the group are tight. So tight that they refer to each other as family. A bond that keeps them close to one another. Amazingly, we find out there are 1 million Juggalos.
Again, no matter what you think of the rap duo or their fans/Juggalos, what should make the greatest impression here is that it is ridiculous that they have been deemed a gang by the FBI. Actually, it is deeper than ridiculous; it is alarming. Just because someone is an ardent fan of a band should not be a reason an arm of government can label them as dangerous or to be watched. Brings up the discussion of how much can the government involve itself in the private lives of the public.
The documentary, directed by Tom Putnam and Brenna Sanchez, who are obviously fans of the duo, shows us just how frightening this should be. They introduce us to a woman, a fan of Insane Clown Posse, who worked for a long time at a nursing home who was suddenly fired because of the music she listens to. Others have had their kids placed in protective custody as a result of their fandom. You watch thinking, this cannot be true, can it?
This is where Insane Clown Posse has drawn a line in the sand. Saying enough is enough. Have taken up the fight for their fans. They demonstrate themselves to be rappers who truly care about their fans and also two guys who don’t take themselves too seriously. This leads to a couple of amusing moments.
The reputed world’s most hated band is fighting the good fight. Trying to get to the bottom of what they Juggalos have been designated as a gang. A federal lawsuit has been filed. The doc was filmed over the course of seven years in which the directors followed the band. In-depth, to say the least.
The film is now available on VOD.