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Earlier this year, Hollywood mourned the unexpected loss of Chadwick Boseman, a talented star who had so much left to offer—and so much left to say. And he definitely put all of that on display in his memorable final performance in Netflix’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.
Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom sets up a recording session on a sweltering day in 1920s Chicago with the legendary “Mother of the Blues,” Ma Rainey (Viola Davis). As the musicians wait in the rehearsal room for the unpredictable performer to arrive, tensions rise between ambitious trumpet player Levee (Boseman) and his older, more experienced band mates. And when Ma finally arrives, battles with her agent and producer bring the musicians back to the rehearsal room, where they share stories of their dreams, their loves, and the challenges they’ve faced along the way.
Ma Rainey may get title billing in this musical drama, but she’s just one part of the story. She’s definitely a larger-than-life character, though she isn’t necessarily a likeable one. She’s brash and bold and fierce. She does her own thing, makes demands, and listens to no one. Basically, she’s the stereotypical spoiled celebrity. But Ma knows that as an African-American woman, the only thing that matters to the white men around her is the money-making power of her voice—and she knows how to use it in her favor while she can.
On the other end of the spectrum, meanwhile, is naively ambitious Levee. He’s talented and charming and confident that he’s going to be a star—no matter what his band mates say to try to put him in his place. He may seem arrogant, but there’s so much more to him—and it comes out in an absolutely absorbing monologue that will break your heart. This young character is so full of promise—but also so understandably full of pain and bitterness and rage.
This is the kind of movie that could be examined and discussed at length. It has so much to say about art, about race, about music. And it’s all set to a beautifully bluesy score that weaves its way naturally through the conversations. It’s lively and gripping in its simplicity—but it’s also difficult to watch, knowing that this remarkable, heartfelt performance was Boseman’s last.
Musical and moving and seductive—with unforgettable performances—Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom is a powerful drama that’s definitely deserving of the hype. Expect to hear a lot more about this film as this year’s delayed award season gets underway.
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