Next up in my series reviewing the top contenders in the 2021 Oscars race is Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, directed by George C. Wolfe and starring Viola Davis, Chadwick Boseman, Colman Domingo, Glynn Turman, Michael Potts, Jeremy Shamos and Jonny Coyne. Based on the August Wilson play of the same name, the film follows the titular Ma Rainey (Davis), a legendary blues singer, and her band through a tumultuous recording session in 1920s Chicago.
Addressing issues of segregation and discrimination, the film is wonderfully shot and the performances from Davis and Boseman are nothing short of extraordinary. In his last film role before his untimely passing in August 2020, Chadwick Boseman dominates the film, and captivates in every scene he is in. He is given some stunning and moving monologues, and I was astounded at his talent and what he was able to do in his role as the complex and troubled trumpet player Levee.
While I enjoyed the film, and found that the characters and their conversations were enough to keep me engaged for the film's 94 minute run time, this certainly won't be everyone's cup of tea. The film is structured very much like the play it is based on, with the action occurring almost exclusively within the confines of the recording studio, and there being a heavy reliance on dialogue and the stories which the characters tell of their lives for the plot to be furthered. There are no elaborate sequences, no crazy stunts, no flashy musical numbers leaving just the performances, dialogue and visuals to carry the film. There isn't a major conflict of the film, no issue to be solved or overcome or villain to defeat, at its core the film is about a group of people sharing their experiences of being black in 1920s America. There is infighting within the band and disagreements with white management and record executives, but it is the stories between men and women of different ages and generations about their lives and experiences which really carry the film. As I have said, it was enough to keep me enthralled and entertained, and the film never dragged, but I'm sure that others won't find it to be as enjoyable. It feels wrong to call a film 'simple', because I am conscious of all of the work and dedication which goes on behind the scenes often by crews of hundreds of people, but this film is as simple as it can get, focused wholly on character and storytelling.
Because of this, I would be slow to encourage you all to go rushing to Netflix to watch it, as I am sure there are many people who would find its slow pace, long takes and sprawling monologues off-putting, but I will say if you want to be moved by some stunning performances and are possibly longing for the theatre experience, this could be the closest we will get for a while.
As for its awards prospects, the film is certainly on track for nominations in the Lead Actress (Davis), Lead Actor (Boseman) categories and could also pick up nominations in the Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Cinematography categories.
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