Dreamgirls (2006)
In one of my film editing classes in college, the teacher assigned everyone to bring in a movie and show a scene with great editing. I brought in my well-worn DVD copy of Dreamgirls, and played the “Steppin’ to the Bad Side” musical number for the class. The teacher was so impressed, we spent the entire class period discussing the film and never ended up getting to anyone else’s assignment. From a technical standpoint, this film is absolutely flawless. Bill Condon, the screenwriter who famously turned the lackluster Broadway script of Chicago on its ear and made a cinematic masterpiece, adapted and directed Dreamgirls. Every time I watch either of his musicals, I’m in awe of his talent.
Back in the 1950s and 1960s, musical numbers were usually filmed in a closeup so the audience could pay attention to the song. Modern audiences wouldn’t stand for that anymore, and Condon created a style that was both inventive and captivating. All but one musical number splices footage of the performance with other scenes that both advance the story and have relevance to the lyrics. The opening number “I’m Lookin’ for Something” features both an onstage performance and the introduction of the main characters, who are each looking for something. Eddie Murphy is looking for new backup singers, Jamie Foxx is looking to become an agent, the three Dreamettes are looking for each other backstage. Isn’t that brilliant?
The editing, completely in tune with Condon’s vision, is phenomenal. The end credits feature a wonderful montage reminding the audience of all the different camera angles involved in many of the musical numbers. Virginia Katz certainly had her hands full with so much footage, and every second of every minute is a joy to watch. The arrangements of the songs, as well as the performance of the musicians, is top-notch. Some musicals are really only fun to listen to when you’re also watching the movie, but I own the 2-disc CD soundtrack, and it’s always a treat. Sharen Davis, rewarded by an Oscar nomination for her costume design, produced a variety of beautiful costumes that took the audience down memory lane of the 1960s and 1970s. To reiterate, the technical aspects of this film are flawless.
Back in the 1950s and 1960s, musical numbers were usually filmed in a closeup so the audience could pay attention to the song. Modern audiences wouldn’t stand for that anymore, and Condon created a style that was both inventive and captivating. All but one musical number splices footage of the performance with other scenes that both advance the story and have relevance to the lyrics. The opening number “I’m Lookin’ for Something” features both an onstage performance and the introduction of the main characters, who are each looking for something. Eddie Murphy is looking for new backup singers, Jamie Foxx is looking to become an agent, the three Dreamettes are looking for each other backstage. Isn’t that brilliant?
The editing, completely in tune with Condon’s vision, is phenomenal. The end credits feature a wonderful montage reminding the audience of all the different camera angles involved in many of the musical numbers. Virginia Katz certainly had her hands full with so much footage, and every second of every minute is a joy to watch. The arrangements of the songs, as well as the performance of the musicians, is top-notch. Some musicals are really only fun to listen to when you’re also watching the movie, but I own the 2-disc CD soundtrack, and it’s always a treat. Sharen Davis, rewarded by an Oscar nomination for her costume design, produced a variety of beautiful costumes that took the audience down memory lane of the 1960s and 1970s. To reiterate, the technical aspects of this film are flawless.
In front of the camera is great, too! Bill Condon certainly got the best performances out of his actors. Pretty much everyone in the cast was praised, with one exception. Beyonce’s beauty and powerful delivery of “Listen” was highly touted. Jennifer Hudson’s showstopping number reduced everyone to tears. Eddie Murphy’s Oscar loss to Alan Arkin was called ridiculous. Jamie Foxx was complimented for having the presence to stand up against all his star-power costars. Keith Robinson was called a promising new star. Danny Glover added sentimentality to the cast, and it was cute to give Loretta Devine a song, since she originated the role of Lorelle on Broadway. All these accolades were true, but who was missing from the praise? Anika Noni Rose. Yes, she gained fame later for voicing the first black Disney princess, but why didn’t she get her due for this film? With the exception of the one showstopping song, Rose arguably had the hardest role to play.
She has to be the innocent, giggly girl in the beginning of the movie who shrieks and squeals when in the presence of a famous R&B singer. She’s pretty much ignored by her friends and has to downplay her importance of the singing trio, just to make Jennifer Hudson’s character feel better. She gets seduced and enters into a serious affair with a married man. As the years pass, she’s the only one of the three women who shows that the bloom is truly off the rose. Singing is just singing, fame isn’t as important as it used to be, the famous star she once idolized is just a man with problems, and she didn’t get what she wanted out of life – and she conveys all this while staying in the background of every scene. If Hudson’s big song hadn’t existed, Rose should have won the Oscar for Supporting Actress.
Three new songs were written for the film (one for each girl): Jennifer Hudson sang the sweet “I Love You I Do”, Anika Noni Rose and Eddie Murphy sang the 1970s message song “Patience”, and Beyoncé got to belt out her self-discovery in “Listen”. If you can’t sing every song, new or original, by heart, it’s time you watched Dreamgirls again. If you somehow missed it when it came out in the theaters, and never thought to rent it, just save yourself some time and buy a copy. It’s fantastic.
DLM Warning: If you suffer from vertigo or dizzy spells, like my mom does, this movie might not be your friend. Depending on your propensity of dizziness, this movie might not be your friend. There are lots of quick cuts during the dance numbers, and a frequent full circle camera movement that showcases the singers, and it will make you sick. In other words, “Don’t Look, Mom!”
More Eddie Murphy movies here!
More Danny Glover movies here!
She has to be the innocent, giggly girl in the beginning of the movie who shrieks and squeals when in the presence of a famous R&B singer. She’s pretty much ignored by her friends and has to downplay her importance of the singing trio, just to make Jennifer Hudson’s character feel better. She gets seduced and enters into a serious affair with a married man. As the years pass, she’s the only one of the three women who shows that the bloom is truly off the rose. Singing is just singing, fame isn’t as important as it used to be, the famous star she once idolized is just a man with problems, and she didn’t get what she wanted out of life – and she conveys all this while staying in the background of every scene. If Hudson’s big song hadn’t existed, Rose should have won the Oscar for Supporting Actress.
Three new songs were written for the film (one for each girl): Jennifer Hudson sang the sweet “I Love You I Do”, Anika Noni Rose and Eddie Murphy sang the 1970s message song “Patience”, and Beyoncé got to belt out her self-discovery in “Listen”. If you can’t sing every song, new or original, by heart, it’s time you watched Dreamgirls again. If you somehow missed it when it came out in the theaters, and never thought to rent it, just save yourself some time and buy a copy. It’s fantastic.
DLM Warning: If you suffer from vertigo or dizzy spells, like my mom does, this movie might not be your friend. Depending on your propensity of dizziness, this movie might not be your friend. There are lots of quick cuts during the dance numbers, and a frequent full circle camera movement that showcases the singers, and it will make you sick. In other words, “Don’t Look, Mom!”
More Eddie Murphy movies here!
More Danny Glover movies here!