I went to see Dreamgirls twice during its 10-day limited engagement release here in New York; once on a date and today I took my 2 nieces and 2 nephews. The first time was just a tour de force; there was so much fabulousness and whatnot going on that I couldn't even sit down to write a review of it. My analysis would have been too muddled, as the constant firing of my artistic synapses everytime I thought about the film prevented me from even sitting at my computer and etching out even preliminary thoughts on the film. The second time helped me put things in perspective a little bit. This time I'm a little calmer and able to process the entire offering without being overwhelmed by the powerhouse performances of the REAL star Jennifer Hudson, Beyonce's sheer beauty and noticeably improved acting talent, Eddie Murphy's unbelievable transformation and ethos and Jamie Foxx' disturbingly convincing performance as the underhanded manager. But that is EXACTLY what you're going to be affected by when you see this picture. The entire ensemble is soooo incredibly good and the picture is sooo incredibly well-done that it has instant classic stamped all over it. So much so that I'm sitting at my computer on Christmas Eve writing this review.
For months, THE REAL RE-Edit has been pontificating on the likelihood of success of the film and its authenticity with regard to taking it from a Broadway playbill and adapting it for the big screen, all the while anticipating its release with each passing week. Needless to say, the Bill Condon-helmed project did not disappoint on ANY level. Having seen the play in my youth (and having dated someone who kept the original "Dreamgirls" soundtrack in heavy rotation on their CD player), I HAD to get this movie out of my system; if only to get past all of the anticipation, buzz, and comparisons. I HAD to see if Jennifer Hudson, in her feature movie debut, could pull off stepping into the HUGE shoes of Jennifer Holliday's defining role of Effie White (around whom the majority of the plot revolves). I HAD to see if the casting directors were on the mark when they offered the Diana Ross- I mean, Deena Jones!- role to Beyonce (one of the most beautiful and talented superstars to come along in a long time, but who in my mind's eye is not the most articulately compelling woman in history). I HAD to see if Eddie Murphy could take the camp out of his infamous Saturday Night Live James Brown impersonation and give real breadth to the James "Thunder" Early character. I HAD to see if Jamie Foxx could reinforce his status as an Oscar-winning actor with a convincing portrayal of Curtis Taylor, Jr. Of course, the answer to all of these questions is a resounding YES!!!
The Cast...
First and foremost Jennifer Hudson brings the house down beginning the minute her visage appears in the movie and doesn't let up until the credits are rolling. There is a very good reason she is nominated for a Best Supporting Actress Golden Globe award (and would be the snub of the year if she is not at least considered in the same category for the upcoming Academy Awards nominations). Her portrayal of Effie White simmers with strength and vulnerability simultaneously. Hard to believe she hasn't been preparing for this role her whole life.
Beyonce Knowles has said that her choreographer has been priming her for the role of Deena Jones her whole life, unbeknownst to her. Well, the work has certainly paid off. I was all prepared to write her off in the movie as "Beyonce in another movie", but Ms. Knowles has indeed ramped up her acting chops. Unconsciously (I suppose) I had such low expectations of her going into the movie and that it is to her credit that she was able to convincingly abandon the modern superdiva persona known as her alter ego "Sasha" and really commit in a huge way to this role. I'm going to say it- she DESERVED this role. Her portrayal of Deena Jones was thoughtful, well-crafted and dead-on(replete with the patented "hunched shoulder waif" move Diana affected early in her career with the Supremes--Ross fans know EXACTLY what I'm talking about!!!)
Jamie Foxx- one of the best comedians to emerge in the last 10 years- is no laughing matter in this movie. Its all business. Foxx's controlled and diabolical portrayal of the Dreams' architect and back-sliding manager is testament to his ability to convincingly transform into any character onscreen. That Academy Award is no fluke.
Eddie Murphy gives a powerful and endearing performance as James "Thunder" Early, the Rock-n-Roll originating 'chittlin-circuit' crooner with talent the size of Alaska and the libido to match. Murphy's command of Early's powerful charisma and his tragic descent into drug addiction is played with such fervor that its hard to believe this is the same man who did stand-up comedy in a tight red leather jacket and pants nearly 25 years ago.
Anika Noni Rose rounds out the trio as the third original Dreamgirl Lorell Robinson, Keith Robinson steps in for Usher (who was originally slated to play C.C White- the Dreamgirls' songwriter and Effie's brother), Danny Glover aptly covers Early's original manager Marty Madison and Sharon Leal plays the record company secretary who ends up as "replacement Dreamgirl" Michelle Morris. They all give excellent support to an already astounding cast. With talent like this onscreen, how could one have expected anything less?
The Story...
Another reason 'Dreamgirls' succeeds is of course that it has all of the elements of great theatre; compelling and sympathetic characters who experience schadenfreude and adversity, and emerge relatively unscathed and utterly triumphant. It is the story of the human spirit, really. Who WOULDN'T like this play? How could this movie fail, being based on one of the most compelling and perhaps well-known music industry anecdotes? Anyone who hasn't spent any time in the last 20 years under a rock knows the plot. The comparisons of the arc of the Dreamettes saga in "Dreamgirls" to the rise and fall of the Primettes and how they gave way to Diana Ross and the Supremes is no accident. It is indeed "based on" the story of the seminal girl group. Actually, there would BE no "Dreamgirls" if not for The Supremes' mythology. Interestingly enough, perhaps the only girl group's backstory that compares in intensity and drama to that of The Supremes is the musical lore surrounding the creation of this generation's most successful girl group -Destiny's Child- and the subsequent supernova known as Beyonce. But that's another story, fodder for the pop culture junkies who will spend endless hours drawing tedious comparisons between the two diva trios and their changing lineups, frontwoman superstar quality and the like.
Undergirding the main plotlines a Jackson 5-ish boy group, the backdrop of the Civil Rights Movement, and the advent of disco are all covered with wit and reverence for the "Motown Sound"-Berry Gordy's remarkable contribution to black music in general and black artists in particular.
The inspired photo montage for the Deena Jones character reconfigures and gives homage to Diana Ross' iconic "Do you Know Where You're going To?" photo shoot in the black movie classic "Mahogany" without riding on its coattails too much and being too derivative. This is definitely intelligent prolific filmmaking here.
The Execution...
Given the pedigree behind the scenes, there is no way this movie could have failed. Hence, a third reason for its success as a film: the Dreamgirls "stew" was properly prepared and flavored. Add one part Oscar-winning screenwriter Bill Condon (known for his screenplay adaptation of the Bob Fosse-choreographed gem "Chicago"). Who else could guarantee that the stunning glitz and glamour the late director Michael Bennett poured into the Broadway play would be present in the onscreen version? Add another part Academy Award-nominated costume designer Sharen Davis, whose handprint is all over blockbuster movies like Ray, Devil in a Blue Dress, Nutty Professor II: The Klumps and the new Will Smith project The Pursuit of Happyness. Who ELSE could have constructed the iconic fire engine red "Dreamgirls" dresses, replete with twelve pound titanium sequins to "pop" onscreen, and then come up with another 119 looks for the female leads alone?
Enter Fatima Robinson, choreographer extraordinaire who has been singled out by the MTV video awards by being nominated a phenomenal SEVEN times for best choreography in a music video (she has created moves for everyone from Aaliyah to Prince and almost every music artist in between) and whose film work includes Miami Vice, Save the Last Dance, Ali, and Be Cool. Who else could create the sensuousness, class and (excuse me, Kimora Lee) FABULOSITY the Dreamgirls needed to exude in their movements? Accomplished makeup artists, lighting designers and music supervisors sweeten the pot. Add original play alumni Hinton Battle and Loretta Devine to the mix and you have a stew you could sop up with a biscuit.
The VERDICT...
Dreamgirls...its utterly delicious!!! Its 10's across the board. "Sparkle", you have company, because this movie is definitely givin' me something I can feel...
For months, THE REAL RE-Edit has been pontificating on the likelihood of success of the film and its authenticity with regard to taking it from a Broadway playbill and adapting it for the big screen, all the while anticipating its release with each passing week. Needless to say, the Bill Condon-helmed project did not disappoint on ANY level. Having seen the play in my youth (and having dated someone who kept the original "Dreamgirls" soundtrack in heavy rotation on their CD player), I HAD to get this movie out of my system; if only to get past all of the anticipation, buzz, and comparisons. I HAD to see if Jennifer Hudson, in her feature movie debut, could pull off stepping into the HUGE shoes of Jennifer Holliday's defining role of Effie White (around whom the majority of the plot revolves). I HAD to see if the casting directors were on the mark when they offered the Diana Ross- I mean, Deena Jones!- role to Beyonce (one of the most beautiful and talented superstars to come along in a long time, but who in my mind's eye is not the most articulately compelling woman in history). I HAD to see if Eddie Murphy could take the camp out of his infamous Saturday Night Live James Brown impersonation and give real breadth to the James "Thunder" Early character. I HAD to see if Jamie Foxx could reinforce his status as an Oscar-winning actor with a convincing portrayal of Curtis Taylor, Jr. Of course, the answer to all of these questions is a resounding YES!!!
The Cast...
First and foremost Jennifer Hudson brings the house down beginning the minute her visage appears in the movie and doesn't let up until the credits are rolling. There is a very good reason she is nominated for a Best Supporting Actress Golden Globe award (and would be the snub of the year if she is not at least considered in the same category for the upcoming Academy Awards nominations). Her portrayal of Effie White simmers with strength and vulnerability simultaneously. Hard to believe she hasn't been preparing for this role her whole life.
Beyonce Knowles has said that her choreographer has been priming her for the role of Deena Jones her whole life, unbeknownst to her. Well, the work has certainly paid off. I was all prepared to write her off in the movie as "Beyonce in another movie", but Ms. Knowles has indeed ramped up her acting chops. Unconsciously (I suppose) I had such low expectations of her going into the movie and that it is to her credit that she was able to convincingly abandon the modern superdiva persona known as her alter ego "Sasha" and really commit in a huge way to this role. I'm going to say it- she DESERVED this role. Her portrayal of Deena Jones was thoughtful, well-crafted and dead-on(replete with the patented "hunched shoulder waif" move Diana affected early in her career with the Supremes--Ross fans know EXACTLY what I'm talking about!!!)
Jamie Foxx- one of the best comedians to emerge in the last 10 years- is no laughing matter in this movie. Its all business. Foxx's controlled and diabolical portrayal of the Dreams' architect and back-sliding manager is testament to his ability to convincingly transform into any character onscreen. That Academy Award is no fluke.
Eddie Murphy gives a powerful and endearing performance as James "Thunder" Early, the Rock-n-Roll originating 'chittlin-circuit' crooner with talent the size of Alaska and the libido to match. Murphy's command of Early's powerful charisma and his tragic descent into drug addiction is played with such fervor that its hard to believe this is the same man who did stand-up comedy in a tight red leather jacket and pants nearly 25 years ago.
Anika Noni Rose rounds out the trio as the third original Dreamgirl Lorell Robinson, Keith Robinson steps in for Usher (who was originally slated to play C.C White- the Dreamgirls' songwriter and Effie's brother), Danny Glover aptly covers Early's original manager Marty Madison and Sharon Leal plays the record company secretary who ends up as "replacement Dreamgirl" Michelle Morris. They all give excellent support to an already astounding cast. With talent like this onscreen, how could one have expected anything less?
The Story...
Another reason 'Dreamgirls' succeeds is of course that it has all of the elements of great theatre; compelling and sympathetic characters who experience schadenfreude and adversity, and emerge relatively unscathed and utterly triumphant. It is the story of the human spirit, really. Who WOULDN'T like this play? How could this movie fail, being based on one of the most compelling and perhaps well-known music industry anecdotes? Anyone who hasn't spent any time in the last 20 years under a rock knows the plot. The comparisons of the arc of the Dreamettes saga in "Dreamgirls" to the rise and fall of the Primettes and how they gave way to Diana Ross and the Supremes is no accident. It is indeed "based on" the story of the seminal girl group. Actually, there would BE no "Dreamgirls" if not for The Supremes' mythology. Interestingly enough, perhaps the only girl group's backstory that compares in intensity and drama to that of The Supremes is the musical lore surrounding the creation of this generation's most successful girl group -Destiny's Child- and the subsequent supernova known as Beyonce. But that's another story, fodder for the pop culture junkies who will spend endless hours drawing tedious comparisons between the two diva trios and their changing lineups, frontwoman superstar quality and the like.
Undergirding the main plotlines a Jackson 5-ish boy group, the backdrop of the Civil Rights Movement, and the advent of disco are all covered with wit and reverence for the "Motown Sound"-Berry Gordy's remarkable contribution to black music in general and black artists in particular.
The inspired photo montage for the Deena Jones character reconfigures and gives homage to Diana Ross' iconic "Do you Know Where You're going To?" photo shoot in the black movie classic "Mahogany" without riding on its coattails too much and being too derivative. This is definitely intelligent prolific filmmaking here.
The Execution...
Given the pedigree behind the scenes, there is no way this movie could have failed. Hence, a third reason for its success as a film: the Dreamgirls "stew" was properly prepared and flavored. Add one part Oscar-winning screenwriter Bill Condon (known for his screenplay adaptation of the Bob Fosse-choreographed gem "Chicago"). Who else could guarantee that the stunning glitz and glamour the late director Michael Bennett poured into the Broadway play would be present in the onscreen version? Add another part Academy Award-nominated costume designer Sharen Davis, whose handprint is all over blockbuster movies like Ray, Devil in a Blue Dress, Nutty Professor II: The Klumps and the new Will Smith project The Pursuit of Happyness. Who ELSE could have constructed the iconic fire engine red "Dreamgirls" dresses, replete with twelve pound titanium sequins to "pop" onscreen, and then come up with another 119 looks for the female leads alone?
Enter Fatima Robinson, choreographer extraordinaire who has been singled out by the MTV video awards by being nominated a phenomenal SEVEN times for best choreography in a music video (she has created moves for everyone from Aaliyah to Prince and almost every music artist in between) and whose film work includes Miami Vice, Save the Last Dance, Ali, and Be Cool. Who else could create the sensuousness, class and (excuse me, Kimora Lee) FABULOSITY the Dreamgirls needed to exude in their movements? Accomplished makeup artists, lighting designers and music supervisors sweeten the pot. Add original play alumni Hinton Battle and Loretta Devine to the mix and you have a stew you could sop up with a biscuit.
The VERDICT...
Dreamgirls...its utterly delicious!!! Its 10's across the board. "Sparkle", you have company, because this movie is definitely givin' me something I can feel...
1 comment:
I saw the movie yesterday, it was mad fly! I have to do a dedication peice to the film!
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