Playwright August Wilson (Fences) is getting another film adaptation with Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, thanks to producers like Denzel Washington (and Broadway director George C. Wolfe) and the result is a mesmerizing acting ensemble highlighted by its two stars at the height of their power.
Blues singer Ma Rainey (Viola Davis) is a legend in the South in 1927, and when she heads north to a recording studio to cut a new record with her band, conflicts ignite as her traditional, musical arrangements stubbornly clash against newer styles amid changing times. Between recording sessions, the musicians ruminate on life, racism, hope, and regrets. Among them is a brash, energetic trumpeter, Levee (Chadwick Boseman), with dreams of making it big with his new ideas much to the amusement of his fellow players. But his facade belies a dark, traumatic past that emerges unexpectedly and threatens his world.
This is a view of the black experience of that period, and though it can’t quite shake its theatrical origins, this never distracts from its splendid cast especially the two leads. Davis, who completely transforms her appearance and voice (she did some singing too), wholly embodies the gifted singer; her headstrong diva is something to behold. Boseman has a choice role and makes the most of it, exuding bravado, joy, pain, and vengeance. At a brisk 94 minutes, this well paced narrative is that rare instance where a film could actually have been longer to feature more of the pair.
It is unfortunate
that this was the final showcase for the late Boseman and what would have been
a glorious chapter in his ascending career. Savor this performance and the
great Davis, and know that Oscar looks kindly at such bravura.
**** of
**** stars (on Netflix)
No comments:
Post a Comment