Filmmaker and photographer David Lachapelle appeared on Charlie Rose a few days ago to discuss Rize, his new film on krumping (or clown dancing), with dancers Tommy Johnson (Tommy the Clown) and Christopher Toler (Lil’ C). Lachapelle outlines the appeal the movement had for him beyond the artistic expression:

Well hip hop has now finally been considered a true american art form and this is the next generation, what they’re doing right now is the next generation… every generation of artists will buck the establishment and want to go and do something completely different. What they’re doing is they’re rejecting the establishment of hip hop which is a commercial, bling bling, buy a big house, all of that stuff. They’re the opposite they don’t buy into any of that. Not only in the style and the dance and all that stuff but idealistically in their whole way of thinking is completely different. So it wasn’t just, the dance, yes, it blew my mind. I had never seen anything like it. The dance will blow your mind, but when you get into the story and find out about their lives, it becomes much more profound.

Rapidshare of Charlie’s interview with Lachapelle about Rize, IFilm hosts Lachappelle interview from Sundance with Krumping clips

Haven’t seen it yet myself, but it’s getting good feedback from Rottentomatoes