Ma Rainey's Black Bottom - A Netflix Movie Review

Listen to your heart. Listen to your voice. You are somebody.

Based on the Pulitzer prize play written by August Wilson, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom is a 2020 Netflix film. Set in 1927 in Chicago, Ma Rainey, also known as ‘Mother of the Blues’, Levee, a horn player, and the white management attempt to control their tensions during a heated recording session.

Upon hearing the positive reviews about Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom I put it on my list of movies to watch. Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom is a pivotal story that captivates the entities of two contrasting figures. In this visceral story, too much focus was put on one character instead of examining the life of Ma Rainey.

The late Chadwick Boseman unearths a struggling charismatic man with dreams. Levee is a complicated person, but he knows what he wants. Boseman does an outstanding job delivering two poignant monologues from the heart.

Viola Davis completely transforms herself into the snarky, assertive, and complicated Ma Rainey. Ma does not let anyone stand in her way. When she wants a coke, she wants a coke. I like how Davis studied the character. She found little moments where she authenticated what Ma really thinks of the world.

Although the film does an excellent job showcasing Ma’s fiery personality, I feel like the film did not invest enough in her character. It got lost in whose story it was portraying. We know more about Levee than Ma by the end of the film.

Colman Domingo, Glynn Turman, and Michael Potts did an excellent job teasing, arguing, or just having a regular conversation. Their interactions are important. Right off the bat, viewers are invested in the characters with the way they view each other.

No matter how small their part is, each actor stands out. Don’t let Jeremy Shamos and Jonny Coyne fool you. Although they are nice to the musicians and get them everything they want, there is a clear tension. In a time where people were in a battle over race, they make attempts at trying to pull the rug over the musicians.

Other credits to include are Taylour Paige and Dusan Brown. Their interactions with Ma are significant. More attention could have been given to the relationship between Ma Rainey and Dussie Mae. Still, the subtleties worked. Sometimes you don’t have to explain.

Aside from acting, a huge shoutout goes to the designers to make this film look incredible. I feel like I have been taken back in time to the 1920s. Set designs, cinematography, sound, costumes, and makeup are stunning. Ann Roth created amazing costumes.

Get ready to learn all about the music recording world. I enjoyed moments where we witnessed how a band records a song. It takes several tries. For anyone who dreams to go into the music world, this film is an excellent example of what it is like.

George C. Wolfe took this story from the stage and brought it to life on the screen. His direction was open-minded. The camera angles were my favorite element. Wolfe absorbed the story. But that’s where he got lost. Better focus could have been attained in which character’s story he was trying to sell. And the ending felt out of nowhere.

You can overcome obstacles. Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom is about perspective. It’s a chance to view life from someone else’s shoes. The film also weighs in on the hardships that African Americans faced in trying to stand out in the field of success. Never back down.

Go watch Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom on Netflix. It is an insightful film to experience.