The film is set against the backdrop of a 1930s southern
speakeasy. Idlewild explores the lives
of Percival (Benjamin), the club's shy piano player, and Rooster (Patton), the
club's showy lead performer and manager. The cast includes a number of notable
performers from the film and music industries. Also featured are new songs from
OutKast's forthcoming album, "Idlewild."
In addition to the film's music sequences, Checel cut the
film's title sequence, working hand-in-hand with both Barber and DJ Swiff from
Outkast. He also created various transitions throughout the film, along with
the OutKast music video Morris Brown (pictured), an
effects-driven piece that places the band in fantastic and fanciful locations. Checel
edited much of the video via his laptop at the effects company Moneyshots.
Dialogue sequences within the feature were cut by film
editor Anne Gousard.