Finally got to see Cadillac Records, Darnell Martin's spirited 2008 biopic revolving around the world of Leonard Chess, Chess Records and associated recording artists. The excellent ensemble cast includes Jeffrey Wright (Muddy Waters), Gabrielle Union (Geneva Wade), Cedric the Entertainer (Willie Dixon), Mos Def (Chuck Berry), Adrien Brody (Leonard Chess), Beyoncé (Etta James), Columbus Short (Little Walter), Eamonn Walker (Howlin' Wolf), Emmanuelle Chriqui (Revetta Chess), Albert Jones (Hubert Sumlin) and Suzette Azariah Gunn (Minnie Ripperton).
If you liked Walk the Line (2005) or The Doors (1991), you'd probably like this, too.
Recognizing that the story is streamlined, telescoped and takes some poetic license here and there, I still thoroughly enjoyed the experience from beginning to end. It's fun and interesting with strong performances, some given in bursts (Eamonn Walker, Mos Def, Beyoncé), others woven through the longer arc of the film.
Throughout, Cadillac Records provides a very comprehensible cultural-historical context for following what transpires throughout the film, which is a lot.
Today's Rune: Partnership.
6 comments:
I though this movie was much better than "Walk the Line" or "The Doors." I can't believe you haven't seen it until now.
I liked it.
I did like WAlk the Line and The doors. May have to check this out.
My father, who's a big music fan (like me), loved that one and recommended it. I'll have to check it out.
I loved "The Doors," and "I Walk the Line," for what it's worth.
Thanks for the review. I trust you over Amazon anytime. ;)
Hope all's well. Sorry for my recent absence--Been busy AND sick. :(
I really enjoyed that film a lot. Great music and feel for the times.
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