Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom

A true testament to the incredible actor who left too soon.

To start off I just want to clarify that I myself am not a big fan of plays or musicals and their attempt to transition to the screen. I’ve always felt that the acting is both too theatrical and unrealistic. However, there have been three instances in which I felt that the transition from live theater to silver screen was successfully executed.

The first instance was with Roman Polanski’s (don’s judge me) 2011 Carnage, which I think was undoubtedly assisted by fantastic actors who gave fantastic performances. The second one on my list is 2020’s The Boys in the Band, which also had spectacular performances across the board and a lot of heart and truth to those which lives were depicted. And the third on my redemptive theater retellings is another 2020 one and that is Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.

Going into it I had no idea it was based on a 1982 play of the same name or anything about real life blues legend, Ma Rainey.

This powerful and unique story is told by two powerhouse actors, Viola Davis and Chadwick Boseman. This was Boseman’s last film before his untimely death and speaks volumes of his legacy and undeniable talent.

Plot

Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom tells the story of the “Mother of the Blues”, Ma Rainey (played by the incredibly talented and Oscar winner, Viola Davis) in 1920’s Chicago, as she, along with her band of musicians, attempt to navigate a tumultuous recording session were discussions on race, talent, and cultural appropriation are thoroughly explored.

Trumpeter Levee (played by the late Chadwick Boseman) leads the film, along with Davis, in an incredible performance which showcases the most realistic depiction of someone driven by anger and trauma.

Characters\Actors

As stated earlier, the film stands on two incredibly powerful performances.

Viola Davis does a spectacular job in portraying the late legend, Gertrude “Ma” Rainey. The struggles of both being a singer in the early 20th century along with being a black women. Davis shines with a true understanding of the character and the power she owns as a successful black woman in the music industry in a time of severe racial discrimination. An Oscar nomination is certain for Davis if not a win.

Chadwick Boseman’s performance is on par with Davis’ but unlike her he enjoys much more screen time. Boseman has a few powerful scenes in the movie which makes his Oscar win a well deserved slam dunk. My favourite was the scene in the second act in which he calls upon God for a sign. Truly powerful and heart wrenching.

The rest of the performances are also quite stupendous with Colman Domingo, as Cutler the guitar and trombone player, being a standout.

Directing and Cinematography

Director George C. Wolfe hasn’t done much film directing, with more experience in theater directing and some acting he delivers quiet an outstanding peace of art full of atmosphere, heart and transcendent messages. Truth be told, its hard to mess up with actors and a story such as this.

The film is rather short with only 94 minutes of run time, but that is also quickly overlooked with its top tier performance and story.

Wolfe also manages to integrate a powerful final scene which rings as much truth today as it did in the early 20thcentury with regards to the practice of cultural appropriation.

Conclusion

As already mentioned, this film will most certainly receive a plethora of nominations and much deserved wins at the 2021 Oscars.

It is a true testament to the undeniable legacy and talent of the late Chadwick Boseman and will stand as a testament to the tragedy, talent and the power of black people in America and the world.