Bessie

Bessie is a 2015 American biographical drama film that chronicles the life of the sensational blues singer, Bessie Smith. The film is directed by Dee Rees and stars the multifaceted Queen Latifah in the lead role. Other notable actors include Kamryn Johnson and Rikki McKinney. The film first aired on HBO, garnering praise for its faithful depiction of the early 20th century and meticulous detail with which it paints every aspect of Bessie’s life.

The film embarks on a deep journey back to the 1920s and 1930s, capturing the life of Bessie Smith, the “Empress of Blues.” The filmmakers provide a slice-of-life experience of jazz culture, social issues, and evolving urban lifestyle in the United States during this period. This is not just a biopic about music, but also an exploration of intimacy, race, entrepreneurship, and women empowerment.

Queen Latifah as Bessie Smith gives a riveting performance. She embodies the character with passion, soul and grit that perfectly align with the persona of the legendary singer. Queen Latifah not only flaunts her acting sparks but also her vocal prowess through a slew of singing scenes reproducing the timeless classics of Bessie Smith.

The film begins with the humble beginnings of Bessie Smith in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where she is shown performing on the streets as a young girl. The storyline then progresses to display her rise to fame. The audience is witness to her struggle to breakthrough into a prejudiced music industry. She faces numerous rejections before pairing with legendary blues singer Ma Rainey, portrayed ably by Mo'Nique. This forms the steppingstone for Bessie as she embarks on her journey to become the highest-paid black entertainer of her time.

The script doesn't shy away from bringing forth the complex aspects of Bessie's personal life. Her tumultuous relationships, her bisexual orientation, the struggles she faced as a black woman in a prejudiced society, and her battles with alcoholism have been showcased amazingly while demonstrating her unwavering spirit.

The character of Bessie Smith is beautifully complemented by a remarkable supporting cast. Michael Kenneth Williams, as Bessie’s demanding husband Jack Gee, tandems well with Latifah, crafting a portrait of a love-hate relationship filled with resentment, betrayal, and longing. Khandi Alexander delivers a dexterous performance as Bessie's older sister, Viola, while Rikki McKinney stands out as the young Bessie. Moreover, Kamryn Johnson’s heartwarming portrayal of Bessie's adopted son Jack Gee Jr. brings in the emotional quotient.

Bessie also visually transports viewers to the Roaring Twenties. Every frame of the film resonates with the jazz culture, infused stylish costumes, jazz clubs, and the social revolution of the era, subtly mapping the racial tensions and the transformation of America. The set designs, costumes, and cinematography are exceptional and serve to take viewers on a voyage to a different era while remaining grounded in its hard-hitting and raw story. The musical composition mesmerizes, with jazz beats and soulful blues becoming the heart of the narrative, gracing a series of highly entertaining, energetic performances throughout.

The dialogue is sharp, at times funny, and at times poignant, echoing with underlying themes of racial prejudices, women empowerment, and entrepreneurship. The film, through Bessie's life, is a profound exploration of understanding identity, societal standards, and the struggles faced by an individual in coming to terms with their personal and professional life.

Bessie is not just a tale of rags to riches or a biopic of a jazz legend. It’s a stunning portrayal of a strong and courageous woman who lived life on her own terms and paved the way for others, despite facing a multitude of personal and professional challenges. With an outstanding performance by Queen Latifah and the rest of the cast, the film rightfully portrays the essence of the roaring twenties and the life and struggles of the legendary blues singer, Bessie Smith. This is a must-watch film for anyone who seeks to enjoy a captivating biographical drama, appreciate influential historical context, and, above all, revel in fabulous music.