It will be very depressing to not see the wonderful Chadwick Boseman’s acting in the future. His death like everyone else is one that I still cannot process like how it is with Robin Williams and Prince. Yes. It won’t even process when I get to be 82 years old. Director George C. Wolfe’s rousing adaptation of the August Wilson play, “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom”, proves not just the undeniable talent of Chadwick Boseman (and also Viola Davis’), but also proves my point that I continue to admire dialogue-driven movies.
“Ma Rainey” tells the true story of one of blues legend Ma Rainey’s (played by Viola Davis) recording sessions where she engages in a fiery battle between her and her white music management over her style of music. Meanwhile, we are introduced to Levee Green (played by Chadwick Boseman), a trumpeter who is rehearsing in Ma Rainey’s band who also has an affection for Ma’s girlfriend. Levee is a musician who also wants to make a pivotal claim in the musical industry. That means Levee, Ma Rainey, and her white management all create tensions about the creative control of Ma’s music. Since the film is driven by dialogue throughout, the film basically takes place in two locations, the band’s studio and Ma Rainey’s studio.
If this film is nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards this year, which it probably will, “Ma Rainey” is definitely going to be my favorite awards contender because director George C. Wolfe makes this film nearly pace so quick like a spider from its 95-minute run time. “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom”, is such an accurate and great film about the cause and effects of the roaring ’20’s music era from the way the dialogue is written, the costumes are made by Ann Roth, and the authentic set design of it. It’s going to be painted Oscar Gold as if it were named a paint color by Bob Ross.
“Ma Rainey” is definitely a film where almost all of the acting ensemble shines so bright because the film’s golden aspects are about the sharp dialogue by Ruben Santiago-Hudson. I am almost sure that Santiago-Hudson is going to receive an Adapted Screenplay nomination after seeing this film. What makes the dialogue from Ruben Santiago-Hudson so authentic are the two stand-out phenomenal performances by both Viola Davis and the late great Chadwick Boseman. Both of them might deliver their best roles because they feel like they are sucked in the time of the roaring ’20’s committed to their firing Chicago-style accents they deliver.
Viola Davis is the perfect actress to play Ma Rainey by the way. She has the exquisite looks and the star-like attitude of Ma that could possibly give her second Oscar win. It probably is the best performance I have seen her in anything ever.
I think it is important that I address the greatest aspect about “Ma Rainey”, Mr. Chadwick Boseman. Boseman brings the most raw and energetic performance of his career that it is beyond perfect as his swan-song. Boseman basically saved the best for last for all of our society to witness. He plays this flawless characterization of a self-centered person who wants to get his own control in the music industry. When talking about the late Chadwick Boseman, he reminds me of an angel. That angel passes by showcasing the enormous talent it has, then passes in heaven where the world does not forget about that angel. That’s how good he is. It’s a severe crime to not give Boseman a posthumous Oscar for this if he passed away or not.
Some flaws I have with the film are with the supporting cast, mostly involving Ma Rainey’s white management team, they do for sure pale in comparison to the ensemble led by Davis, Boseman, and Glynn Turman (who’s also phenomenal in this, too). I know it is part of the film’s structure, but there are a few scenes here and there that can drag a bit too long for me. The scenes mostly do not rely to the film’s story. Those are very little flaws though.
“Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” is not just a wonder to watch, but also addresses the major causes and effects of creative control in the 1920’s music era in such an authentic way. After seeing “Knives Out” last year, I think we might see a comeback for engaging dialogue-driven films that is meant for an audience at a cinema or for 2020 standards, a home. I have one more thing I forgot to say. May you rest in peace, Chadwick Boseman. I am going to miss your acting talents every year, good sir.
Grade: 9/10
