Ma Rainey's Black Bottom

About Ma Rainey's Black Bottom

Explore

• About
• Making / Production
• Actors
• Trivia / Interesting Facts
• Awards
• Quotes
• Music
• Soundtrack

About

Ma Rainey's Black Bottom is a drama film released in 2020. The film is based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning play of the same name by August Wilson. It is directed by George C. Wolfe and features a screenplay written by Ruben Santiago-Hudson.

The story takes place in 1927 Chicago and centers around an afternoon recording session of the legendary blues singer Ma Rainey, played by Viola Davis. Tensions rise as Rainey clashes with her white music producer and manager, and the band members navigate their own personal ambitions and conflicts.

The film explores several themes, such as racial tensions, the exploitation of Black artists, and the power dynamics within the music industry. It offers a raw and powerful portrayal of the African American experience during the 1920s.

Making / Production

Ma Rainey's Black Bottom was produced by Denzel Washington, Todd Black, and Dany Wolf. The film was primarily shot on location in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, recreating the atmosphere of 1920s Chicago.

The production team worked closely with the August Wilson Estate to maintain the authenticity of the source material. They paid attention to historical accuracy and cultural representation, ensuring that the film captured the essence of the time period and the play's themes.

Actors

• Viola Davis as Ma Rainey - Davis delivers a powerful and captivating performance as the bold and unapologetic blues singer.
• Chadwick Boseman as Levee Green - Boseman's poignant portrayal of the ambitious and talented trumpeter showcases his incredible acting skills.
• Glynn Turman as Toledo - Turman brings depth and wisdom to the role of Toledo, a seasoned band member.
• Colman Domingo as Cutler - Domingo's nuanced performance as the pragmatic and level-headed trombonist adds layers to the film.
• Michael Potts as Slow Drag - Potts shines as the calm and talented bassist, bringing a sense of stability to the story.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• Ma Rainey's Black Bottom marks Chadwick Boseman's final film appearance before his untimely death in 2020.
• The film is an adaptation of August Wilson's play, which is part of his ten-play series known as The Pittsburgh Cycle.
• Viola Davis gained weight and wore padding to accurately portray the larger-than-life figure of Ma Rainey.
• The film's title refers to Ma Rainey's song "Black Bottom," a popular dance during the time.
• Chadwick Boseman took trumpet lessons and extensively practiced to master his character's musical performances.

Awards

Ma Rainey's Black Bottom has received critical acclaim and has been nominated for numerous awards, including multiple Academy Awards, Golden Globe Awards, and Screen Actors Guild Awards. It has won several awards for its performances, including a posthumous Academy Award for Chadwick Boseman.

Quotes

• "They don't care nothing about me. All they want is my voice." - Ma Rainey
• "I got my time coming to me." - Levee Green
• "White folks don't understand about the blues. They hear it come out, but they don't know how it got there. They don't understand that's life's way of talking." - Toledo

Music

The film features jazz and blues music, reflecting the era and the genre associated with Ma Rainey. The music plays a significant role in capturing the emotions and atmosphere of the story.

Soundtrack

• "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom" - Ma Rainey
• "Deep Moaning Blues" - Ma Rainey
• "Bo-Weavil Blues" - Ma Rainey
• "Levee's Song" - Chadwick Boseman
• "Ghost of the Blues" - Viola Davis
• "Lazy Mama Blues" - Ma Rainey