REVIEWED BY ERIC JONES
2006. United States
Director: Bill Conden
Paramount Pictures
Cast: Jamie Foxx, Beyonce Knowles, Eddie Murphy, Jennifer Hudson, Anika Noni Rose
"Every man has his own special dream; and that dream's just about to come true. Life's not as bad as it may seem if you open your eyes to what's in front of you!" These words and lyrics not only open the first headline performance of the all-girl musical trio, the Dreams, but also encapsulate a major theme of Dreamgirls--that the pursuit of fame and fortune can be successful; however, it can come with a very high price to pay, and sometimes this price is in the form of friendships and other relationships.
Dreamgirls (2006), directed by Bill Conden, is a feature length adaptation of the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical of the same name. Set in 1960s Detroit, the film follows the ascension of a black soul group initially called the Dreamettes, led by the large and in-charge Effie White (Jennifer Hudson) with Deena Jones (Beyonce Knowles) and Lorrell Robinson (Anika Noni Rose) as backup vocalists.
After competing in a local talent show, they catch the eye of sly car salesman and local record producer Curtis Taylor Jr., played by Jamie Foxx. Taylor soon offers the group an opening gig for charismatic, underachieving R&B singer James 'Thunder' Early (Eddie Murphy), who quickly develops an extramarital affair with Lorrell that mixes business with pleasure; however, James' time in the spotlight fades, and Curtis decides to put the Dreamettes on the road to super-stardom by changing their name to the Dreams and replacing a heavier, louder-voiced Effie with the fair skinned and marketable Deena.
This escalates tension and ultimately causes Curtis to fire Effie, and replace her with another member. Effie then digresses to a life of poverty with her and Curtis's child (unbeknownst to Curtis) while Deena marries Curtis and receives the spotlight as lead singer. The Dreams continue on to fame and fortune, but in the end, all members of the girl group, both past and present, realize that family and friends are more important than selling records and being on television.
Dreamgirls is a realistic depiction of the music industry. The film exposes not only the glitz and glamor of celebrity, but also the pain, misery, and destruction that accompany it. The Dreamettes were best friends, but their transition and manipulation into the Dreams by Curtis tear them apart.
In addition, the musical aspect of the film is extremely similar to the real-life story of Diana Ross and the Supremes. Both Motown Records and Curtis Taylor Jr.'s Rainbow Records got their starts in the Motor City. Also, the Dreams themselves are a mirror image of the Supremes, who also had three members with a thin, pretty lead singer. The effects of fame also broke up the Supremes, and Diana Ross overshadowed the group just like Deena Jones in the film. Finally, even the name of the record managers are similar--Berry Gordy Jr. rolls off the tongue in the same manner and enunciation as Curtis Taylor Jr.
But it would be impossible to discuss the significance of Dreamgirls and not mention the brilliant acting of the cast, especially the Academy Award-winning performance of Jennifer Hudson as Effie White and Eddie Murphy's Oscar worthy depiction of James Early.
It is hard to believe that this is Jennifer Hudson's first movie role because she completely owns every scene in which she appears. Her loudness, abrasive behavior, and curvaceous figure all command attention that moviegoers are glad to oblige. In arguably the most iconic moment in the film, Hudson portrays a level of deep betrayal during her rendition of "And I'm Telling You I'm Not Going" after Effie is forced to leave the group.
In addition, Eddie Murphy gives one of the best performances of his legendary career as James 'Thunder' Early. A hilarious moment in the film occurs when James has a meltdown due to his declining popularity; he pulls down his pants, gyrating around the stage and singing, "Jimmy got soul. Jimmy got soul. Jimmy got--Jimmy got--Jimmy got soul." Murphy was acclaimed as being a "shoe-in" for the Best Supporting Actor Academy Award. Surprisingly, the Oscar went to Alan Arkin for his role in Little Miss Sunshine.
In conclusion, Dreamgirls should continue to be remembered for its powerful performances and its indictment of fame.
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