Bessie

About Bessie

'Bessie' is a hard-hitting biographical drama that tells the story of legendary blues singer Bessie Smith. The film was released in 2015 and is set in the Americas of the 1920s. The movie dramatically presents Bessie’s journey from a struggling young singer to 'The Empress of the Blues', who comes to be recognized as one of the greatest vocalists of her time. Her story is peppered with her ups and downs, struggles with racial issues, and complex personal relationships.

Making / Production

The movie is directed by Dee Rees and produced by Richard D. Zanuck and Lili Fini Zanuck. The screenplay was written by Dee Rees, Christopher Cleveland, and Bettina Gilois, which splendidly brings to life the tale of this iconic figure and time.

Actors

• Queen Latifah as Bessie Smith - Latifah delivers a gripping and emotional performance, embodying the strength and vulnerability of Bessie perfectly.
• Michael Kenneth Williams as Jack Gee - Williams splendidly portrays Jack Gee, Smith’s overbearing husband, bringing the complexities of the character to life.
• Khandi Alexander as Viola - Viola, Bessie's older sister, is brought to life by Khandi's impressive acting, carefully embodying Viola's complex role in Bessie's life.
• Mike Epps as Richard - Epps plays Richard, a bootlegger, with a fine mix of vulnerability and menace.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• Bessie Smith was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989.
• Queen Latifah had been signed on for this project as early as 1998, but the movie only released in 2015.
• Despite its historical context, the film makes a contemporary connection by addressing issues of racial and gender inequality.

Awards

The film received critical acclaim and won numerous awards. Queen Latifah won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Television Movie. Dee Rees was nominated for Outstanding Directing, and Queen Latifah, Michael Kenneth Williams and Mo'Nique received acting nominations.

Quotes

• "It's a hard world for a woman," - Bessie Smith
• "Jazz is for people who don't know nothing about music." - Jack Gee

Music & Soundtrack

• The soundtrack for the film was widely praised. It features songs by Queen Latifah, including 'Bessie's Blues', 'Downhearted Blues' and 'Long Old Road'.
• Queen Latifah’s ability to capture the charisma and vocal style of Bessie Smith was highly praised.
• The musical score by Rachel Portman helped to truly set the mood and time of the biopic.