The United States vs. Billie Holiday

About The United States vs. Billie Holiday

The United States vs. Billie Holiday is a drama film taking us into the raw, uncensored reality of racism, substance abuse, and artistic expression that shadowed the magnificent talent of the renowned American jazz singer Billie Holiday. The story follows the Federal Department’s efforts to exceedingly investigate Holiday due to the controversial song "Strange Fruit" and her narcotics usage.

Making / Production

The movie was directed by Lee Daniels and premiered at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival before it began streaming on Hulu in the U.S. from February 26, 2021. Screenplay was by Suzan-Lori Parks and the film is based on the book 'Chasing the Scream: The First and Last Days of the War on Drugs' by Johann Hari.

Actors

• Andra Day plays the role of Billie Holiday. This being her first leading role, Day immersed herself in the character, embodying both the tempting presence and notable struggle of the iconic star.
• Trevante Rhodes played Jimmy Fletcher, a federal agent with a complex relationship with Holiday. Rhodes delivered a deftly balanced performance, blending sincerity and duplicity in equal measure.
• Natasha Lyonne portrays Tallulah Bankhead, the friend and alleged lover of Holiday. Lyonne plays this role with a savvy combination of glitz and vulnerability.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• Andra Day lost 39 pounds, started smoking and drinking to portray realistically the role of Billie Holiday.
• Trevante Rhodes was initially hesitant to take on the role of Jimmy Fletcher because it was a character who betrays Billie Holiday.

Awards

The United States vs. Billie Holiday marked a significant milestone in Andra Day's career for which she won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress - Motion Picture Drama.

Quotes

• "I cut myself off from everyone I know and love, 30 years of my life gone…and for what? To sing my song." - Billie Holiday
• "The reporters keep asking me, Billie, why do you do the things you do? This is what I tell them." - Billie Holiday

Music, Soundtrack

• "Ain’t Nobody’s Business" - performed by Andra Day
• "Them There Eyes" - performed by Andra Day
• "Strange Fruit" - performed by Andra Day