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Dreamgirls
Written by Nobuhiro Hosoki
The original "Dreamgirls," a sensational 1981 razzle-dazzle Broadway production directed by Michael Bennett, garnered six Tonys. This time around, director Bill Condon (Gods and Monsters, Kinsey) dedicated the film to Bennett, embracing a traditional musical presentation by establishing richly dramatic tales of entertainers' ups and downs, with vivid, lavish visual style in a barrage of flashy spotlights and well- coordinated outfits.
The film is loosely based on the infamous story of Diana Ross and the Supremes. For a talent contest at a Detroit theater in the early 60's, the competition is fierce for an all-girl trio called "The Dreams." The group needs a gig and lacks a manager, but fate is just about to turn them a favor when Curtis (Jamie Foxx), a sweet-talking entrepreneur who is a hint of Ike Turner, approaches them with an offer to be backup singers for the callous womanizer James "Thunder" Early (Eddie Murphy), cannily cast as a once-legendary figure. His glorious days are over the moment his outrageous sexualized stunts doesn't get appreciated from white audiences.
A snake-eye, Curtis developed some clout ousting Early and dragging an initially feisty and full-figured vocalist Effie(jennifer Hudson) out as well, instead putting in malleable light-skinned Deena (Beyonce Knowles) as the lead singer, He spins them into the group on their own, making a deal with the devil. It is strictly about what sells, and how easily one can succumb to whatever might trump a talent.
As a result, Effie is forgotten as if she disappeared from the face of the earth. Then the film slowly enters a new era of disco and divas, leaving behind the black performer against a backdrop of racism. The screen focus shifts to Curtis and Deena to maintain an interest while "Dream" is conquering every other pop chart. That's the only little weak point.
Someone to watch is newcomer Jennifer Hudson who erupts on the music scene as Aretha Franklin, belting out an astonising number to bare her soul, pushes the other actor several notches higher, and plays her character with an endearing frankness that resonates in all the artists. Director Condon turns the tricky aspects of the musical genre into a perfect fit for the a film audience without resorting to a quick-cut MTV style and other showbiz cliches, by balancing out the music and character development.
Beyonce seems to downplay her diva character, because in this film she has been superbly utilized by the music industry. Eddie Murphy capturies an essence of impression from James Brown, portraying a painful vulnerability for one who once was the greatest. Foxx simply proves himself as a top-notch actor. Throughout, this immensely entertaining film lifts us off the ground, echoing its strong voice through awards season.
Directed by Bill Condon
Written for the screen by Mr. Condon
Based on the Broadway production
Book by Tom Eyen
Directed and choreographed by Michael Bennett
Director of photography: Tobias Schliessler
Edited by Virginia Katz
Music by Henry Krieger
Lyrics by Mr. Eyen
Choreography by Fatima Robinson
Production designer: John Myhre
Produced by Laurence Mark
Released by DreamWorks Pictures and Paramount Pictures.
Running time: 131 minutes.
Cast: Jamie Foxx (Curtis Taylor Jr.)
Beyoncé Knowles (Deena Jones)
Eddie Murphy (James Early)
Danny Glover (Marty Madison)
Jennifer Hudson (Effie White)
Anika Noni Rose (Lorrell Robinson)
Keith Robinson (C. C. White)
Sharon Leal (Michelle Morris),
and Hinton Battle (Wayne).