Ma Rainey's Black Bottom (2020) Review

Ma Rainey's Black Bottom (2020) Review

Dir. George C Wolfe 

 

Chadwick Boseman and Viola Davies star, and aptly sparkle, in this adaptation of the August Wilson stage play. 

 

 

On a summer day in 1927, the mother of jazz Ma Rainey travels up to Chicago to record her newest record. Tensions flair, egos clash and music is made. 

 

This is first and foremost a stage drama translated literally onto screen, with the style of the theatre being hard to shake from its dialogue driven narrative, but the two mediums entwine well. Some critics have called this an un-cinematic approach, being somewhat static at times and a bit too play-like but for me, with central performances this good, it’s as strong and enthralling as anything else produced by visual cinema this year. 

 

The two acting powerhouses are what keep this finely oiled engine of a film running. 

 

Viola Davies continues to be one of the most talented actresses of her generation. This is her most transformative role yet, truly embodying the spirit of the mother of jazz herself. Ma Rainey is an extremely complex woman, difficult and demanding with an undeniable power over any human being in her vicinity. While we never really see her take full advantage of that power, the threat arises and the imagination is stirred as she flips from amusingly pedantic to frighteningly stern.

 

Chadwick Boseman plays the ambitions trumpeter Levee in his final recorded performance before his tragic death in the summer. Chadwick's final performance is, in my opinion, his defining role. It encapsulates everything that was special about him as an actor, and emphasises just how much of a loss he will be to the world of cinema. Passion ,energy and empathy ooze out of him. He has a youthful and energetic quality to start with, that it’s hard to remember he was 42 at the time. Before long, he has switched from endearing to tragic with some of the finest monologues in recent history that moved me beyond belief. 

There is no hyperbole when I say that this performance is worthy of, and should be nominated for, the Academy awards. He had my entire heart in his hands at times in this film and then even more so when I realised I wouldn’t get to see him reach these heights again. It’s a tragic loss of a once in a generation talent. 

 

 

In the end, Ma Rainey's Black Bottom is a film that is made by its two central performances. The supporting cast too are extremely strong actors who often take their own charge of the steering wheel and drive with ease. Yes, it’s a very theatrical feeling piece of cinema, but like a theatre play should, it has big drama in a small setting, with enough twists and turns to keep it enthralling. 

Ma Rainey's Black Bottom is a show of strength by two performers at the top of their respective games. Both deserving of praise and accolades galore. 

 

8/10

 

Review by Elliott Thomas Griffiths