"Ma Rainey's Black Bottom" Review - That's Why They Call It The Blues

We are usually long past the deadline of a film coming out that is truly worth all the praise and one that will earn the highest of honors at the Academy Awards. Of course, the snap of Covid has knocked all of those honorees out another year. There are thankfully a few still left standing; one of which is now on Netflix, called “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom”.

Ma Rainey is a true figure in history that is the basis of a historical fiction play by the late great August Wilson. It's one of many Wilson plays that'll be produced by Denzel Washington In the next few years. The first in his saga was Fences, which gave Viola Davis her first Oscar, and I have no doubt in my mind her portrayal as the leading lady is going to get her a second. The grace and fierce musical power she gives is hard to overstate. Ma Rainey is someone who fights tooth and nail to get the credit and respect she deserves; something that Viola knows and encompasses too well already. Her acting alone will grab praise upon any viewer who glances at her first scenes in front of the camera. The only other man that may give her a run for her money is Chadwick Boseman; but that’s another topic I’ll get into in a minute.

Many years ago, when Fences was released, I lamented about how it felt too much like a play and not more like a film. Yes, August Wilson is a playwright; but it’s not impossible to add a cinematic flair to his work. Already, Ma Rainey is a much better tackle at an iconic play; keeping it at only 90 minutes, but successfully capturing the beauty of the 1920s, the sparkle of jazz and blues, and keeping the story and multiple plot lines straightforward while highlighting the racial inequality and dark history throughout the pasts of each character. The cinematic direction by George Wolfe is easily close to if not five stars across the board as he keeps the play true to form while also crafting a gorgeous piece of art through the sets, cinematography, colors, and writing.

Like I said, acting also helps immensely as well, and while Viola Davis is magnificent, the real scene stealer is Chadwick Boseman. It’s a heartbreaking performance, and not just because it’s the last we'll ever see of him. He gives off an absolute class act of a show hitting the highest levels of performing whether it’s through anger, tears, or through a jive happy sound. It’s quite like nothing I’ve ever seen portrayed on the screen that will hopefully be recognized as another posthumous Oscar win; one that hasn’t been done since Heath Ledger in The Dark Knight.

It’s a play worthy of your applause even though you’ll be watching it on Netflix from the comfort of your own couch. Ma Rainey is art worthy of the general masses, that I hope will be an easy winner at the Oscars. But even more so, I hope it’ll be remembered down the line as one of the best examples of black cinema and movies in just a general sense.

Two Nebs Up!