STEPHANIE COMPTON; Guest Writer; comptose@plu.edu
If you’re looking for something to watch on Netflix this Friday night, look no further than the new arrivals section of Netflix. “I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead” is a documentary that covers the life and background of famous DJ Steve Aoki. In the film, Aoki is releasing a two-part album and is trying to kick it off with a huge party. The film follows Aoki’s long journey leading up to this big moment.
Son of Rocky Aoki, the founder of Benihana, Steve Aoki has always felt the need to fill his father’s shoes. Influenced by the exampl
his father set as a millionaire businessman, Aoki is hard working and this documentary embodies that. Though his father was not in his life much, a tireless commitment to one’s passion is a trait his father passed down to him. Building his empire from the ground up, Aoki is now a powerhouse of EDM.
A story full of inspiration and courage, “I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead” is not just for EDM fans. Aoki is charismatic and engaging, and after watching the film, I am a huge fan. Aoki is joined in this documentary by popular artists like Diplo and Travis Parker who give firsthand accounts of Aoki’s life as a popular DJ.One thing that would have made this documentary even better would have been Rocky Aoki’s presence. While this is not possible–Rocky Aoki passed away in 2008 of pneumonia after battling illness for years–the point of view from Steve Aoki’s father would have been icing on the cake of an otherwise remarkable documentary.
“I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead” is a short documentary at only 1 hour and 19 minutes. It is the perfect length for procrastinating that essay that is due Monday morning. It is also a perfect boost of motivation
at 2 a.m. when that math homework just doesn’t seem to be doing itself.
Quick facts:
“I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead” (2016)
Cast: Steve Aoki
Director: Justin Krook
Rating: 6.5/10
