What We Started (2018): Cast, Ratings & Box Office
What We Started is a 2018 documentary directed by Bert Marcus and Cyrus Saidi, starring Carl Cox, Martin Garrix and Ed Sheeran. It runs 1 hour 34 minutes and earned $434,437 worldwide. Critics gave it 51 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.0/10.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 34m (94 min)
- Directors
- Bert Marcus and Cyrus Saidi
- Genre
- Documentary
- Original language
-
English
- Studio
- Abramorama
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is What We Started About?
The premise of What We Started without spoilers.
This documentary explores the world of electronic dance music through the perspectives of leading DJs like Carl Cox and Martin Garrix. It delves into the industry's rapid growth and increasing mainstream popularity, featuring appearances from artists such as Usher and Ed Sheeran. Viewers are given a behind-the-scenes look at the culture and people driving the genre's global rise.
What We Started Themes & Keywords
· 1 tag- dance
What We Started Cast
Carl Cox leads the cast, with Martin Garrix and Ed Sheeran. Directed by Bert Marcus and Cyrus Saidi; 10 actors are credited in all.
-
Co-director Bert Marcus - Co-director Cyrus Saidi
- Carl Cox as themselves
- Martin Garrix as themselves
- Ed Sheeran as themselves
- David Guetta as themselves
Also Starring in What We Started
· 6 more- Paul Oakenfold Themselves
- Steve Angello Themselves
- Tiësto Themselves
- Usher Raymond
- Chip Eberhart Themselves
- Erick Morillo Themselves
More from Bert Marcus and Cyrus Saidi
More films directed by Bert Marcus and Cyrus Saidi, best-rated first: Champs and The American Meme.
What We Started Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave What We Started 51 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.0/10. Our Echo Score gives it 63/100, strongest in sensory experience (80) and weakest in story & flow (35).
What We Started Echo Score Breakdown
The film offers a thorough exploration of electronic dance music history but suffers from pacing inconsistencies and an overabundance of detail. While enthusiasts praise its educational depth and behind-the-scenes access, critics note that the narrative sometimes drags and feels uneven. The documentary’s strong musical segments provide engaging moments, yet the fluctuating focus across eras diminishes cohesion. Overall, it delivers valuable insights but with a somewhat uneven execution.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 70
In terms of art and craft, the documentary features clear interviews and visually coherent sequences but adheres to a largely conventional shooting style. Cinematography delivers consistent framing of archival footage and live performances, yet the editing occasionally feels overly dense. While some reviewers applaud the comprehensive visual approach, others find the sequence transitions heavy. Overall, the art direction is competent but rarely striking.
- Character & Emotion 75
When it comes to character and emotion, the film showcases personal stories of pioneering DJs. Interviews with Martin Garrix and Carl Cox provide insight into their motivations, and many viewers felt connected to these narratives. Yet critics note that shifting perspectives can dilute the emotional trajectory. Overall, character portrayals are engaging but occasionally inconsistent.
- Story & Flow 35
In terms of story and flow, the documentary delivers a broad historical overview but suffers from uneven pacing and narrative cohesion. Critics point out that transitions between eras feel abrupt, and some segments linger on detail at the expense of momentum. Users likewise describe confusion in covering certain periods, particularly the 1990s crossover movement. Overall, the story offers comprehensive content but with a disjointed progression.
- Sensory Experience 80
From a sensory standpoint, the film leverages a rich soundtrack of EDM classics and contemporary tracks to energize key moments. Sound design maintains clarity in interviews and live performances, while audio mixing highlights the genre’s rhythmic elements. Though some critics wish for more varied musical selections, viewers report feeling invigorated by the score. Overall, the sensory presentation is a highlight, delivering engaging musical immersion.
- Rewatch Factor 55
Regarding rewatch factor, the documentary’s depth appeals to dedicated fans interested in detailed history, offering insights that may reward multiple viewings. However, the dense information and occasional pacing lulls could deter casual viewers from revisiting the film. While enthusiasm for behind-the-scenes anecdotes remains strong, the uneven narrative flow may limit its replay value. Overall, rewatch appeal is moderate, with rewards for genre enthusiasts.
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IMDb 7.0 /10
See on IMDb -
Metacritic 51 Metascore
User score 9.8
See on Metacritic -
TMDB 72% User score
See on TMDB -
Letterboxd 3.4 /5
1 ratings
See on Letterboxd
What We Started Box Office
What We Started grossed $434,437 worldwide. $382,457 came from the US and Canada and $51,980 (12%) from the rest of the world.
Worldwide gross
$434.4K
- US & Canada
- $382.5K
- International
- $52K
What We Started Trailers & Videos
The trailer of What We Started.
What We Started Also Known As
7 alternative titles, including “תולדות המוסיקה האלקטרונית” and “無聞起聲色”.
- Also known as
-
- תולדות המוסיקה האלקטרונית
- 無聞起聲色
- 电子舞曲发展史
- 風起電湧 EDM
- จุดเริ่มต้นของจังหวะ
- What We Started: Klubimusiikin nousu
- What We Started: EDM-ens begynnelse
Seen What We Started?
Movies Like What We Started
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Under the Electric Sky, Underplayed and Better Living Through Circuitry.
-
Under the Electric Sky 2014 -
Underplayed 2020 -
Better Living Through Circuitry 2000 -
Era Of Dance 2017 -
Modulations 1998 -
The Chemical Generation 2000 -
We Will Dance Again 2024 -
Speaking in Code 2009 -
Where We’re From: Rise of L.A. Underground Hip Hop 2021 -
God Said Give ’Em Drum Machines 2022 -
Dua Lipa: Studio 2054 2020 -
Pump Up the Volume 2001
What We Started FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime
Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of What We Started, each answered in a sentence.
How long is What We Started?
What We Started runs 1 hour 34 minutes (94 minutes).
When was What We Started released?
What We Started was released on March 23, 2018.
Who directed What We Started?
What We Started was directed by Bert Marcus and Cyrus Saidi.
More films by Bert Marcus Who is in the cast of What We Started?
What We Started stars Carl Cox, Martin Garrix and Ed Sheeran, among 10 credited actors.
How much did What We Started make at the box office?
What We Started grossed $434,437 worldwide ($382,457 domestic, $51,980 international).
How is What We Started rated?
What We Started has 7.0/10 on IMDb, 51 on Metacritic, 72% on TMDB and 3.4/5 on Letterboxd.
Does What We Started have a post-credit scene?
No. What We Started has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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