A brilliant acting performance saves this messy movie
NOTE - In the interest of disclosure it should be note that Film critic Jason Evans has a family connection to the singer/actress Andra Day. Nonetheless, his review here reflects his honest feelings about the film.
The Premise: Directed by Lee Daniels (Precious, The Butler,
Empire), this film tells the story of singer Billie Holliday (newcomer Andra
Day), one of the top musical acts of the 1940s and 50s and a civil rights icon.
Holiday spent her career trying to stay one step ahead of government agents who
wanted her to stop singing “Strange Fruit,” a haunting description of black
people being lynched in the South. The campaign against Holiday included
getting her hooked on drugs and planting evidence on her. The film also depicts
Holidays many troubled and violent relationships with the men in her life,
including a FBI agent (Trevante Rhodes) who can’t decide if he wants to arrest
her or love her.
The 100 Words: The reason to watch this film is Day’s
courageous performance. It is remarkable that a singer could make this jump to
the big screen so seamlessly. Of course she has the voice, but she shows
herself to be a wonderful actor too. The camera is fixated on her in almost
every moment and she is magnetic. Day helps the film rise above some questionable
directorial choices by Daniels and a script that meanders. There are also some
strong supporting performances, especially Da'Vine Joy Randolph’s makeup artist. But
my bottom line is, sign me up for whatever Andra Day does next.
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