Director: George C. Wolfe Release Date: December 18, 2020 on Netflix Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom is based on Gertrude “Ma” Rainey, AKA the Mother of Blues. I was inspired to watch this film because it was Chadwick Boseman’s last performance before he passed. The movie is set on a hot summer day in Chicago in 1927. Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom’s use of color is absolutely beautiful and shows warm tones to represent the summer heat (yellow, orange, ochre, red, beige). One of the movie’s themes is racism; it discusses how black artists in the US were simply used for their talent since the white man profits on them. A scene that really touched me was when a band member, Toledo, said that the colored man are the leftovers. It symbolizes how the black man doesn’t understand their identity while the white man who used their labor doesn't find it valuable anymore. Chadwick Boseman’s portrayal of Levee, a band member, was absolutely phenomenal. His emotions were raw and powerful, especially when he was talking about how the white man sold his father’s land. I also loved Viola Davis’ portrayal of Ma Rainey. Her confidence and her determination is inspiring. It shows how Ma Rainey is determined to control her art and stay true to her roots. Overall, I really enjoyed this film and the message.
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Jasmin AsadWatchin' films and writin' reviews is the purpose of this blog. Archives
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