Biggie & Tupac

Everywhere Nick Broomfield appears, conspiracy theories are bound to be unfolded and interesting discoveries made. The director of controversial documentaries such as KURT & COURTNEY (1998) and HEIDI FLEISS: HOLLYWOOD MADAM (1995), in his latest film Broomfield searches for the truth behind the killings of rap stars Tupac Shakur and Biggie Smalls (a.k.a. Notorious B.I.G.), the one six months after the other, in 1996-1997. No one has ever been convicted for either of the murders a culprit; the shootings were disposed of as being the result of the rivalry between the two popular rap artists. The starting point for Broomfield’s quest is the story by former police officer Russell Poole, who investigated the assassination of Biggie Smalls, but was taken off the case by his superiors as soon as he ascertained links with record industry bigwig Suge Knight, corrupt police officers within the LAPD and the earlier murder of Tupac. The fact that Poole’s theory was anything but guesswork is convincingly demonstrated by Broomfield. With unstoppable enthusiasm, the curious Briton – as always prominently present in the film – visits frightful-looking bodyguards, convicted ex-cops, and eventually even the imposing and influential Suge Knight. He obtains various crucial testimonies and en passant adjusts the prevailing image of Tupac and Biggie. Sustained by well-chosen archive footage and a befitting, stirring soundtrack, BIGGIE AND TUPAC is an impressive and brave investigative documentary, with which Broomfield has even surpassed himself.