The Mosley Review: Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom
Ambition can be your greatest ally or assistant in getting to where you want to go in your profession or it can be the end of your dream. That was one of the many major themes of this fantastic film. I had never heard of Ma Rainey before this film, but I am familiar with the Blues. It's mostly male dominated, but from this films portrayal, I can tell she was truly the Mother of the Blues. Its usually the artists that start a movement that don't get the recognition until later. The film was an adaptation of the stage production of the same name and you feel that in the framing and blocking in every shot. Not every stage show works on screen, but this one was well crafted. It felt more intimate as you got to know the character’s life experiences throughout the early 1900's when racism was more rampant than ever. The themes of racism, socialism and striving to not let others control your talent in any form of industry are powerful and are sadly still relevant. This film may be a period piece, but it is also a commentary on today's society.
This was a murderer's row of great performers and all were fantastic. Viola Davis was strong, determined and not to be messed with as Ma Rainey. She embodied a strong black woman who knew her worth and she would let you know that immediately. She takes command of each room and every scene she is in. I loved a particular scene where Ma was walking through an upscale hotel with the more upscale black people and how even though she is of the same race, she is looked at as lower class. She marched through that room and you see her confidence and powerful presence. Colman Domingo was stellar as Cutler and his scenes with Ma revealed how long they've been friends and all the hardships they've seen together. Colman truly stands out in the band room scenes as he drops many pieces of knowledge. Michael Potts was great as Slow Drag and I liked his moments of comedy and comradery with the band. Glynn Turman was beyond fantastic as Toledo. He delivers a fantastic song about being "The Leftovers" that is nothing short of poetic and poignant. He has so much wisdom in his stories and behind his eyes. He almost stole the film for me. Dusan Brown was good as Ma's nephew Sylvester. You see Ma's maternal side come out when she is with him and he stands up for himself in a great scene. Taylour Paige was great as Dussie Mae and although she is mostly there as eye candy, she brings to light the sexuality of Ma. Jeremy Shamos was Ma's manager was Irvin was great and I loved that he was at her beckon call and not the other way around. Jonny Coyne was perfectly slimy and mean as the owner of the recording studio, Mel Sturdyvant. You see his patience wearing then when dealing with Ma and how crooked he is later in the film.
The late and great Chadwick Boseman delivers a powerhouse of a performance as Levee Green. You see the ambition of the character and how he had a plan to be the best, but yet he was blind to the odds against him. His life story was heartbreaking, powerful and the reason why he believes in his dream. It is truly a breathtaking, magnetic and charming swan song of a performance for Chadwick and truly something that solidifies again why we all loved him. So much talent and dedication was show to his craft and its on full display here. The choices he makes on where to let emotion take over and where to be arrogant were placed expertly. You hang on every word Levee says and when he finally breaks, its all the more heartbreaking. Thank you Chadwick for giving us the gift of your talent and the privilege of watching you work. Rest in power.
The score by Branford Marsalis was excellent and brought 1920's Chicago to life. The cinematography was amazing as the amber of the sun kept beading down on the characters. It sold that smoldering heat in a room with no air conditioning and the pressure of getting the job done right and fast. I loved that this film represented the deep roots of the Blues and how it was always created by the Black community. It was sweat drenched, dirty, soulful and the true freedom Black people had from the tyranny that plagued their lives. This was definitely one of the best films of the year and a perfect final farewell for Chadwick Boseman that is a must watch. The Netflix original is now streaming. Let me know what you thought of the film and of my review in comments below. Thanks for reading!
