Don't take this as a diss to any other groups (we're all human first), but these people in this film are the reason I am thankful that God made me black, and musically inclined. Seriously. The harmonies. The solos. The background vocals. When the cast and supporting people are singing these songs with all the layers, emotion, and vast storytelling ability it just make life feel better all the way around. And if being apart of the diaspora has given us nothing else, it has given us soul, and the ability to commune with our pain/experiences via music and the arts.
2. The Costumes
One thing people knew how to do, back in the day, was dress. I did not have the privilege of seeing the original Broadway cast of Dreamgirls in their production (vinyl at home not withstanding), and have only google images of some costuming from the play. There is no doubt in my mind these women were fab. For the film, Sharen Davis (who also did costuming for Ray) did such a bang-up job on the dresses, suits, skirts, etc, etc. that we are transported into their world. The quality is unlike most films out here. I'm not an expert on historical clothing, but it made me want to find some kind of fishtail dress and start singing on street corners (maybe not street corners, but you get the point).
(Sidenote: Does anyone remember what happened to Kanye's Rosewood Movement. I want it back).
(Sidenote: Does anyone remember what happened to Kanye's Rosewood Movement. I want it back).
3. The Acting
The acting was not perfect, I will repeat, not perfect. But I've seen enough Tom Cruise movies and Will Smith cinematic turns to know that it's really not necessary for every actor to be perfect, only perfectly suited for the role. I never once had trouble believing any of them.
Yes.
That admission includes Beyonce.
We all saw Austin Powers. We remember her as the cheetah or panther or puma or whatever she was, and it was well.... gross. That's all I can think of. Gross. (That song she did for the film 'Work It Out' was NOT. it was actually kinda great).
That said: Each of the actors was cast well, could sing their asses off and played off of each other incredibly well. The thing about actors is, when they do it right you will automatically assume they MUST be like their characters. But... we really don't know WHAT these actors are like because when we see them they are playing someone else.
I know... *mind-blown*
Yes.
That admission includes Beyonce.
We all saw Austin Powers. We remember her as the cheetah or panther or puma or whatever she was, and it was well.... gross. That's all I can think of. Gross. (That song she did for the film 'Work It Out' was NOT. it was actually kinda great).
That said: Each of the actors was cast well, could sing their asses off and played off of each other incredibly well. The thing about actors is, when they do it right you will automatically assume they MUST be like their characters. But... we really don't know WHAT these actors are like because when we see them they are playing someone else.
I know... *mind-blown*
4. The Villain
That Curtis Taylor Jr. was a royal piece of work. He was scheming from :01. He had ZERO redeeming qualities. Everything was about the dollar, about control of the artists. The first time J. Hud's 'Effie' says his name you knew, I knew, and SHE KNEW, he was trouble. I bet if you say that name 3 times in a mirror fast....
The level of arseholery he employed was bar none. It was perfect. He never raised his voice, except maybe once, and all the while was the architect and manipulator of all the little marionettes. Wack Sauce. But deliciously devilish sauce. Every film with more than two people needs a proper villain.
5. The Victims
Effie, Deena, Norell, C.C., Jimmy, Danny Glover, The Secretary Girl, The Henchman dude.... ALL Lambs to the slaughter (until they got wise and started working together). It should be noted that though there were a ton of victims under King Curtis' reign and rule, there were no Innocents.
C.C. didn't stand up for his sister when she needed him most. Norell was Jimmy's mistress. Deena may not have been messing around with Curtis, but she sure did marry him. (for that she gets a delirious side eye from me) and Effie was a diva. To be fair: all of them were caught in a vice of manipulation that was dripping with poison...I've been in one of those, and it plays on your faults and your strengths. but still, some of their choices were appalling.
6. The finale.
4 part harmony. Magic almost making me cry. Curtis having the only sobering moment. Redemption. Reunions. and the glitter bomb that sets off the credits.
I still get chills.
I still get chills.
7. The Credits
The way they set up the credits, you get to relive the whole movie again, while letting the last scene simmer in your mind. Exhilarating.
Great point about the acting. I DO think Eddie Murphy was amazing and different from anything we'd seen from him. I also thing he deserved the Best Supporting Actor award that year.
ReplyDeleteHe did a fine job. But low key, Eddie Murphy has always been a good actor, and he had an ability to make himself and his skill fit into each character he played. Like I was watching Coming to America, and when you compare that to his performance in say... Boomerang, TWO COMPLETELY DIFFERENT characters. He brought something different each time.
ReplyDelete