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R. Kelly's Trapped in the Closet (Chapters 13-22)
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How best to describe Trapped in the Closet? In fact, why describe it all. The media coverage on the latest installments of R. Kelly's ongoing schizolodeon has been remarkably positive and grossly academic. It can't be denied any longer that there is something more to his musical soap opera than a good laugh at his expense, proven by IFC's incredibly respectful online distribution. While still hilarious, these new chapters entangle the Trapped web to a point of such socio-political hullabaloo that R. Kelly is practically throwing those laughs right back in our face.
Without giving anything away, this season sees Kellz' alter-ego Sylvester finding more sex, violence and arguments, not to mention a bit of old time religion. The music and lyrics may not be as tight as the original installments, but when the songs return to their old chord progressions it feels even more deserved and exciting. As the tension builds throughout the new arc to its provocative and game-changing conclusion, we actually even stop thinking of R. Kelly as a musician and start thinking of him as a storyteller.
Whether or not Trapped in the Closet is a big joke, or an incendiary commentary on dishonesty in black culture is still too tough to call. But that is what precisely makes it worthwhile. In a story where no character is honest and one-faced, we shouldn't expect the teller to be. What you should expect though is one of the most unique meetings of perplexity and entertainment in recent years. Why attempt to describe it when it's so fun to be Trapped?
-Spencer Somers
R. Kelly
Drama, Comedy, Music Video
Chicago, IL
Sylvester : R. Kelly
Gwendolyn : Cat Wilson
Rufus : Rolando Boyce
Kathy : LeShay Tomlinson
Twan : Eric Lane
Ann Carli
Jim Denault
Victor Mignatti & Jim Swaffield
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8nS1nAWLsds