Scratch

Scratch, which tracks the evolution of hip-hop DJs' love affair with "scratching" records and the various permutations that have come to be known collectively as "turntablism," is so upbeat it might as well arrive on a sunbeam. Even though much of the DJ culture scene is based in San Francisco these days, Scratch pays homage to East Coast upstarts like the X-ecutioners' Rob Swift. Doug Pray has crafted the visual style of his film to echo its subject matter; Scratch is as arresting to watch as it is to listen to, filled as it is with stuttery edits and choppy, back-'n'-forth cutting that mimics the whip-handed fading on the soundtrack. Pray's film is nothing short of a respectful testament to the ingenious creative drive of the outsider.