Director George C. Wolfe brings one fateful afternoon to the screen in this Oscar-winning drama. Adapted from the Tony Award-nominated play, “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” tells the story of a humid afternoon in 1920s Chicago. The film marks Chadwick Boseman’s final on-screen performance before his death in August 2020. “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” features sensational performances from its entire cast; which includes the likes of Viola Davis, Chadwick Boseman, and Glynn Turman.
When the backing singers for the esteemed blues singer Ma Rainey (Viola Davis) arrive at a Chicago recording studio, they share stories and ideas as they wait for her to arrive. When Ma Rainey finally arrives, tensions rise as equipment failures, harrowing stories, and conceited trumpeters disrupt their recording. But when the recording ends, what happens next will change the course of everyone’s lives forever.
Viola Davis gives a sensational performance in the titular role, portraying the so-called “mother of the blues.” Her Oscar nod for leading actress takes her total amount of Academy Award nominations to a record-breaking four. On the other hand, Chadwick Boseman stars opposite Davis as the hubristic trumpet player Levee Green. Boseman’s performance is emotionally raw and full of overconfidence. Supporting the two are Colman Domingo, Glynn Turman, and Michael Potts; who all give great performances throughout the film’s 94-minute runtime.
A scene from “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.” Photo: Netflix, 2020
Production Values Give the Film Authenticity to Offset Its Mundaneness
The costumes are gorgeous and incredibly detailed, so it’s no surprise Ann Roth received a wide array of accolades for her contributions to the film. The hair and makeup department do a sensational job with every character’s look; the attention to detail is remarkable. When it comes to Viola Davis’ wig, Ann Roth and Mia Neal, for accuracy and authenticity, decided to hand-make Ma Rainey’s wig from horsehair.
Even though the characters looked incredible, “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” can’t help but drag itself to its closing credits. The fact that the film’s events predominantly unfolded in two rooms didn’t help either. Not even the magnificent talent heading the film can save it from becoming a mundane near-waste of time. It’s ironic that 90% of the film just consists of rage-fueled monologues or over-the-top reactions, considering the film tells the story of the mother of the blues and her band — there’s hardly any singing.
Racism and LGBTQ+ are two themes “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” sheds light on. Photo: Netflix, 2020
‘Ma Rainey’s Bottom’ Brings Up Themes That Resonate Today
Nevertheless, the film does bring up issues that audiences can relate to, given the time and setting of the film. These include themes like racism and the LGBTQ+ community as Taylour Paige plays Ma Rainey’s younger lover Dussie Mae. The film also touches upon how Ma Rainey and other BIPOC were used simply because of their talent and the profit they could provide people. At the end of the film, it becomes loud and clear when Levee’s original song is sung and recorded by a group of white men instead of Levee himself.
If you want to learn more about women who don’t give in to a racist, sexist patriarchy, then you should watch “Selena.” But if Viola Davis’ talent enamors you, then you should watch “Fences” or “The Help.” Both of these films allow Davis to show off her never-ending talents. “Fences” also stars producer Denzel Washington opposite Davis.
In conclusion, George C. Wolfe’s adaptation of the August Wilson play is a mixed bag. While the performances and appearances may be spectacular, the story can’t help but feel stodgy and slow.
