If you can trust anyone to tell you the truth about a film, it’s me. I appreciate film and all art for what it is — a creative outlet that should be respected and offered constructive criticism. More importantly I believe art should encourage critical thought and social commentary, and that a lot of the stuff offered on TV, the radio, and in the movies is crap. So understandably as I sat down in my comfy reclining theater seat to see Dreamgirls during its opening weekend, my eyes were narrow and my arms were folded. I was a skeptic.
I was skeptical of this production because I hate to see something so hyped that I hate it before I see it. I was skeptical because I am always skeptical about a movie starring Beyonce Knowles; not because I don’t like her, but because I believe her career is such a product of the press agency machine that the girl isn’t really given a chance to show if she’s got true talent, let alone acting ability. Too often Hollywood execs think if they just put her (and other celebrities) in a movie without having or nurturing any real talent they’ll automatically tap into a target audience and into their wallets.
But, as I said, you can trust me, and the entire cast of Dreamgirls, Ms. Knowles included, deserves the hype it’s received and they also deserve two hours of your time. I came in a skeptic and I left a believer. The movie is definitely one to see, and here’s why…
The movie production of Dreamgirls is phenomenal. Bill Condon, who also wrote the award-winning film adaptation of Broadway’s Chicago, never misses a beat with his direction. Audiences wont feel like they’re watching another big Hollywood movie, but rather actors who are dedicated to giving performances to the best of their abilities. These are actors, who are pouring their hearts and souls into every word, every gesture, and every blink. Good work is often attributed to the actor but, Eddie Murphy and Danny Glover aside, I believe it takes a good director to bring quality work out of acting amateurs, and Condon does just that.
Amateurs – yes, lets talk about Jennifer Hudson. This girl has never graced a movie set in her life, and yet she is truly a natural in this film. Jennifer Hudson is Effie White. Every note, every tear, and every word screams “look at me now” to the American Idol fans that booted her, and Hudson does a job with this character that is more than respectable, it’s admirable. Now, is her performance worth the hype it’s receiving? I am still not too sure about that. It is a great performance, especially being her first. But is it Oscar worthy? I don’t think so. Yet, given the other nominees in the Golden Globes category, her performance is by no means mediocre. Her work appropriately matches the caliber of her competitors, and she also deserves to win. And yes, the girl can sing. But that’s no secret.
Article comments
1 - Zedd
Glad to read your commentary. I wasn't even going to see it because of the reasons you so eliquently stated.
I MAY just go and see it.