American Juggalo (2011) A look at the often mocked and misunderstood subculture

A look at the often mocked and misunderstood subculture of Juggalos, hardcore Insane Clown Posse fans, who meet once a year for 4 days at The Gathering of the Juggalos.
Juggalos and Juggalettes have been a frequently mocked and belittled counterculture, so much so that they'd have to seriously believe in themselves, the strength of their own community, and their values to continue being a part of such a group of people. Sean Dunne's short documentary American Juggalo is a mesmerizing film, featuring one unique individual after another, all a part of the annual Gathering of the Juggalos. The Gathering is a beloved festival for all the fans of Insane Clown Posse and other members of Psychopathic Records, but above all, it's about connecting and sharing a bond with like-minded individuals. These individuals love to drink, smoke marijuana, but ultimately, love the human connection that comes with difference and embracing a different lifestyle.

American Juggalo is a necessary humanization, or, at the very least, profiling of a culture that has had more negative words and mockery exchanged by them than any other fanatical group I can think of at the moment. Dunne ostensibly glides his camera through the Gathering, stopping it when he sees an intriguing group of people (how he decided who to profile is beyond me). He gathers insight and ideas about the Juggalo culture, the sense of community and family they preach, and how they want to be portrayed before letting them go on their merry way. This allows for a deeply intimate portrayal, with little in the way of structure or approach intruding on letting those involved with the culture getting their message out.

This is the kind of documentary Harmony Korine would make if he made documentaries. Juggalo culture, while easy to criticize, is made all the more fascinating given how strongly unified these people feel with one another. One couple brought their very young children to the Gathering, and while one may reasonably say the music and the environment's activities are too brash for them, the idealism and sort of unity that penetrates the Gathering are fundamental ideas we (should) learn growing up. Another guy fondly recalls vomiting all over the place and mellows out with the help of a cigarette. These are the kinds of people we can't make up or shortchange; they're too real to even fabricate.

American Juggalo is only twenty-four minutes, but its mesmerizing effect on the viewer and pulsating direction and focus make it have the impact of a full-length film. This is one of the rare shorts I'm universally recommending, to all people, anti-Juggalo, proud Juggalo, or those who don't even know what to make of Juggalo culture. This one's for you.

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