One of the best movies I’ve ever seen
I had mixed expectations on Lady Sings the Blues for many reasons. I was curious about Diana Ross’ movie debut, especially since she was nominated for an Academy Award. Was she going to be the diva actress or could she really pull of Billie Holiday? Man, does she ever! As an amateur movie critic but avid movie lover, I would dare say this is one of the greatest performances of all times. She was absolutely incredible and intense and true to the character. And I think what I really liked is that she didn’t try to sound like her which lent more authenticity to the character as a real person (which of course, she was).
I also wasn’t sure if the movie would be good because 70s movies quality is hit or miss. While it may be the greatest era of filmmaking, the look or the grain of the film sometimes stays. But this movie felt timeless. I don’t think any film has ever so drastically exceeded my expectations. It’s been a long time for that to happen.
Today, we have so many musician biopics like Ray, Walk the Line, What’s Love Got to do With It and even an upcoming Janis Joplin movie, but I wonder if those movies looked to this one for inspiration or how to tell the story because it feels so much like the above mentioned. It reminded me so much of Ray with his dark side but also the passion of Walk the Line and any comparison to the Tina Turner pic is inevitable. Just made me wonder.
I highly recommend this film! And here’s Big Stuff by Ms. Holiday herself.
