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Turn It Up

Name: Turn It Up
Director: Robert Adetuyi
Released: 2000
Duration: 86 min

Representation Score

4.6/10

Fair

2000

Director

Robert Adetuyi

Runtime

86 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Turn It Up stands out as a culturally specific urban drama centered around a Black protagonist in Brooklyn. This approach avoids the typical white-as-default cliché found in earlier crime films. However, the film lacks complexity in representing diverse identities. It adheres to traditional gender roles and straight-centered family structures, with male characters driving the main plot movements and conflicts. While the film offers a nuanced look at socioeconomic pressures and the music industry, its reliance on conventional romantic and familial clichés limits its broader social impact.

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Category Breakdown

Does Turn It Up have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film centers around a heterosexual relationship between the protagonist and his girlfriend, Kia. There is no depiction of non-binary gender identities or same-sex relationships.

How does Turn It Up portray gender?

Fair

The story is driven by male characters Diamond and Gage, who dominate the action and conflict. Kia's role is largely defined by her pregnancy, reinforcing traditional gender roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Turn It Up?

Good

By focusing on a Black protagonist in Brooklyn, the film challenges the default whiteness in many films. It highlights the ability to act of characters of color through hip-hop culture.

How does Turn It Up represent religion and culture?

Good

The narrative delves into systemic issues and the tension between ambition and criminal activities. It also emphasizes traditional social structures such as family and parenthood.

Does Turn It Up include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no indication of the portrayal of physical or cognitive disabilities in the film.

Present on Screen

Strong racial representation through a Black-centered narrative in Brooklyn.
Authentic use of hip-hop culture and urban textures.
Nuanced exploration of systemic socioeconomic pressures and survival.

Limited or Absent

Lack of LGBTQ+ representation or non-binary gender identities.
Reliance on traditional gender roles and male-dominated ability to act.
Limited complexity in character dynamics.

Official Synopsis

Trying to bootstrap his way out of Brooklyn's mean streets is Diamond, a rap musician. With his long-time pal Gage acting as his manager, he's trying to lay down a demo tape with cut-rate studio time. To pay the bills, he and Gage run drugs for "Mr. B." Inside a week, Diamond's beloved mother dies suddenly, his father appears after an absence of 12 years and wants a relationship, and his girlfriend Kia tells him she's pregnant, asking him if he's ready to be a father. Gage steals $100,000 in a multiple-felony robbery so that Diamond can record a full album, not knowing it's Mr. B's money he's taken. B wants his money, Diamond wants his music, Tia wants an answer.

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