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What We Started

Name: What We Started
Director: Bert Marcus, Cyrus Saidi
Released: 2018
Duration: 70 min

Representation Score

4.5/10

Fair

2018

Director

Bert Marcus, Cyrus Saidi

Runtime

70 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

What We Started provides a globalized look at the evolution of electronic dance music, capturing the tension between underground roots and mainstream success. It succeeds in showcasing the genre's international reach through a diverse cast of musical talents. However, the film's focus on high-profile industry figures tends to mirror the existing patriarchal and male-dominated structures of the DJ world. While it touches on subcultural identity, it lacks specific depth regarding underrepresented groups. Ultimately, the documentary serves as a mid-range cultural document that prioritizes professional trajectories over deep characters who reflect more than one aspect of diversity.

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Category Breakdown

Does What We Started have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film explores the history of EDM, a genre with strong ties to queer subcultures. However, it focuses more on professional arcs rather than explicitly highlighting LGBTQ+ identities.

How does What We Started portray gender?

Fair

The documentary highlights legendary and superstar DJs, reflecting the traditionally male-dominated hierarchy of the electronic music industry. It lacks explicit focus on female producers or DJs.

How racially and ethnically diverse is What We Started?

Fair

A global cast of musical talents, including Usher and international DJs, provides a multicultural perspective. This reflects the inherent globalism and diverse influences found within the genre.

How does What We Started represent religion and culture?

Good

The film examines the tension between underground movements and mainstream institutionalization. This framework touches on the preservation of non-conformist spaces and community-driven identities.

Does What We Started include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no mention of individuals with visible or invisible disabilities. Disability does not appear to be a central thematic component of this musical history.

Present on Screen

Captures the globalized nature of electronic music through an international cast.
Explores the meaningful tension between underground subcultures and mainstream industry standards.
Provides a multicultural perspective by featuring diverse musical talents like Usher.

Limited or Absent

Lacks explicit focus on female producers and DJs within the industry hierarchy.
Does not explicitly highlight LGBTQ+ identities despite the genre's historical ties to queer spaces.
Focuses heavily on high-profile figures rather than broader characters who reflect more than one aspect of diversity.

Official Synopsis

Bert Marcus and Cyrus Saidi present an informed and absorbing exploration of the history of EDM, boosted by an energetic soundtrack and anchored by the personal stories of legendary DJ Carl Cox and superstar newcomer Martin Garrix. Insights from numerous other DJs and musical talents like Moby, David Guetta, Paul Oakenfold and Usher help tell the often oppositional tales of old school vs. new school and mainstream vs. underground.

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