NYADIFF REVIEW: ‘Lil Buck: Real Swan’
Photo: Lil Buck is the star of the new documentary Lil Buck: Real Swan. Photo courtesy of Jeremie Saint-Jean / Provided by NYADIFF with permission.
Lil Buck: Real Swan is a 2019 documentary that follows the origins and development of the dance style Jookin and one of its most celebrated interpreters: Lil Buck. The film, directed by Louis Wallecan, is the official closing night selection at the New York African Diaspora International Film Festival, which this year is being presented virtually. Screenings begin Dec. 9.
Lil Buck is a dynamic dancer who is a marvel to watch on screen. The first third of the film focuses less on him as a performer and more on the Memphis scene where Jookin first emerged. There is an emphasis on a roller-skating business that played host to many concerts and dance sessions for the early interpreters of the art form, and today the business has shuttered its doors. This causes the locals to feel nostalgic about the heyday of Jookin and the variety of energetic, unique dances that spilled out of the rink and into its parking lot.
Lil Buck, whose story starts to come in the middle of the film, emerges from this scene and sets his sights on becoming the best of the neighborhood’s dancers. He has a supportive mother and decides to complement his wondrous dance talents with formal ballet lessons. He learns many more skills during these classes and performances, but never loses sight of Jookin and how he can bring that unique style to the stage and thousands of fans.
The final third of the film focuses on Lil Buck’s ascendant rise, including his international fame and a collaboration with Spike Jonze and Yo-Yo Ma. Throughout this journey, Wallecan has a great deal of access to the performer, his friends, his family and those he used to spend time with back in Memphis. His story is one of dedication and uncompromising originality. He is clearly having fun on the stage, but also attempting to change minds about the perceived boundaries of dance.
Jookin as a dance style is fascinating to watch. It’s timed to pulsating beats and sometimes popular rap songs, but Lil Buck goes further, even dancing his moves when Yo-Yo Ma plays classical music on the cello. It’s a full-body transformation, with footwork seemingly pulled from the King of Pop’s music videos and arm movements that are akin to a puppeteer holding strings during a marionette performance. And just when the viewer thinks they know what Jookin is, Lil Buck and other interpreters of the form up the ante and change the movements, almost like shuffling a deck of cards.
Lil Buck: Real Swan is an authentic look at its title character, but also an honest portrait of South Memphis and its Black community. There is a lot of local history about the neighborhood where Lil Buck grew up and the roller-skating rink that was pivotal to the emergence of this scene. The director also doesn’t gloss over the economic hardships and current-day struggles of South Memphis, including violence in the area. But throughout these 90 minutes there is great hope for the future, and that is epitomized in Lil Buck’s historic rise to the top. Watching his journey is a thrill; watching him perform is a double thrill.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
Lil Buck: Real Swan (2019). Directed by Louis Wallecan. Running time: 85 minutes. Playing at the New York African Diaspora International Film Festival. Click here for more information and tickets. Rating: 
