About The United States vs. Billie Holiday

'The United States Vs. Billie Holiday' is a biographical drama film released in 2021. The movie focuses on the life of famous jazz singer Billie Holiday, the government's war on drugs, and their efforts to silence her. The story is set in the mid-20th century when federal authorities targeted Holiday for her drug addiction, a part of a racialized war on drugs, to prevent her from singing her controversial and heart-rending ballad, "Strange Fruit."

Making / Production

The film was directed by Lee Daniels, with a screenplay by playwright Suzan-Lori Parks. The film uses a nonlinear structure, frequently cutting between 1947 and 1950s, casting Andra Day in Holiday's role.

Actors

• Andra Day as Billie Holiday: Known for her soulful voice, Day played the complex character of Billie Holiday with astounding vulnerability and strength. Day underwent an extensive preparation process that included vocal coaching, dramatic coaching, and physical transformation.
• Trevante Rhodes as Jimmy Fletcher: Rhodes portrayed an undercover federal agent who had a complicated and clandestine romance with Holiday. His subtle performance offered a powerful contrast to Day's flamboyant Holiday.
• Natasha Lyonne as Tallulah Bankhead: Lyonne played a supporting role of Bankhead, a friend and alleged lover of Holiday, with charm and wit.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The movie features one of the last performances of actor Garrett Hedlund.
• Andra Day, a successful singer, made her acting debut with this film and underwent a significant transformation to play Holiday.
• This film marked Lee Daniels' return to movie direction after a few years focusing on television.

Awards

Andra Day won the Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Motion Picture - Drama for her remarkable portrayal of Billie Holiday. She was also nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress.

Quotes

• "Your grandkids will be singing Strange Fruit."
• "Love is like a faucet. Turns on and off."
• "All this trouble for one sad song."

Music, Soundtrack

• "Strange Fruit" by Andra Day
• "All of Me" by Andra Day
• "God Bless the Child" by Andra Day
• "Lady Sings the Blues" by Andra Day
• "Ain't Nobody's Business" by Andra Day