It would be an empty world without the blues.|Nov. 25, 2020|United States|94 Min.|R
Genre: Drama;Music
Description: Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom is a 2020 film centered around Ma Rainey, a highly respected and strong-willed blues singer. On July 2, 1927, she is under contract with white producers, and a recording session is scheduled at the Paramount studios in Chicago. Her manager, Irvin, arranges the session, but tensions rise when Ma arrives late with her girlfriend, Dussie Mae, and her nephew, Sylvester.
The seasoned members of the Georgia Jazz Band—Toledo, Cutler, and Slow Drag—are already present, but Ma’s tardiness frustrates her producer, Mel Sturdyvant. Levee Green, the band’s ambitious trumpeter, hopes to break away from Ma by securing his own record deal with Sturdyvant, which causes conflict with the rest of the band.
Upon her arrival, Ma clashes with Sturdyvant and Irvin, making several demands, including a Coca-Cola, which she insists must be provided before she begins recording. She also insists that Sylvester, who has a stutter, speak the opening words of the album, leading to multiple frustrating takes of the song “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.”
Ma confides in Cutler, expressing her belief that her white producers only value her voice and would otherwise treat her with little respect. Meanwhile, Levee and Dussie Mae’s relationship causes further tension when they are interrupted by Slow Drag.
The group finally completes the first track after numerous attempts, only to discover that an equipment failure has rendered the recording unusable. While Levee is initially blamed for tripping over a wire, it is later revealed that the equipment was damaged separately.
Cast director: George C. Wolfe
Cast actor: Viola Davis, Chadwick Boseman, Glynn Turman, Colman Domingo, Michael Potts, Jonny Coyne, Taylour Paige, Jeremy Shamos, Dusan Brown, Joshua Harto
Original name: Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom