Ma Rainey was the pioneer of mainstream blues back in the early 1900s and was known for her flamboyant performances which would eventually be the first of the genre to be recorded for the masses. No director has ever convincingly captured the energy or mystique of live music during this time period until now and Viola Davis is absolutely unrecognizable in her transformation into a larger-than-life stage deity. The first five minutes is really incredible film making and provides a glimpse of a superstar in her element that feels tangible even in modern times.
With that said, Ma Rainey is not the sole subject matter here in the story based on an original August Wilson play and Chadwick Boseman probably has more screen time as a rebellious young musician in the band who questions the old ways of his elders. This is the last film for the late actor and probably one of his best performances which will mostly likely be recognized during award season. Racism, religion, cultural appropriation and the emergence of jazz are all touch upon in Ma Rainey's Black bottom which has already become the most streamed title on Netflix this week and is definitely our cinema pick of the week.
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