Dreamgirls was released at the tail end of 2006 and start of 2007 and was capatalised by the Oscar and awards season - Beyonce Knowles was nominated for awards early on however, newcomer-ish Jennifer Hudson took all the accolades recreating the legendary role of Effie White, winning the Oscar along the way and wearing a horrendous gold jacket affair.
Dreamgirls is really the story of The Supremes except with a happier ending. Beyonce is Deena Jones aka Diana Ross, Hudson's Effie White is relegated to backing Deena to ensure global success as Deena's voice is "more commercial" all done in a similar fashion to Florence Ballard of The Supremes. Deena marries the head of Rainbow Records, Curtis Taylor Jr who finances her career in movies. Diana Ross had a fling with Berry Gordy Jr head of Motown Records who financed her step into movies with Lady Sings The Blues. The main difference with this movie to The Supremes is that Deena Jones is such a wimpish character who gives into Curtis, Diana Ross would never allow this to happen - apparently she never stopped in the name of love or anything else to ensure she became a global superstar.
Dreamgirls starts in he early 60s and continues nearly 20 years later from the sounds of Motown to disco and everything in between. The Dreams go through more costume changes and fake eyelashes than a Kylie Minogue concert and a fashion show put together. Beyonce Knowles is suitably vacuous throughout although no-one can pull off afro hair more than her. Jennifer Hudson takes on the role of Effie with aplomb and pulls it out of the hat - her voice is just pure soul. She is however, no Jennifer Holliday who originated the role on Broadway and knocks my socks off every time I hear her sing.
What makes this camp are the outfits and songs. From the ridiculous wigs that the cast wear to unforgettable Broadway belters such as One Night Only and Dreamgirls and of course And I'm Telling You I'm Not Going. There are some great montages that look as if they have been taken from a Supremes show reel and then the disco version of One Night Only that Deena sings in a nightvlub ala Studio 54 - drag queens with killer nails are belting it out. If ever there was a song to be played in a gay bar it is that. Hooded veils, sequined pantsuits, drag queens, eyelashes and glitter everywhere entice the viewer into this hedonstic life.
My favourite character is again a minor one. Sharon Leal is the glamorous Michelle who takes Effie's place in the group. She doesn't have much to say although looks damn fine throughout with perfect lipstick and a nice voice. She was the replacement just as my favourite Supreme Cindy Birdsong did - she flicks off her fake fingernails to land a job at Rainbow Records - determination like that deserves applause! At the end of most of the songs I just wanted to cheer - they were worthy of any Broadway musical - wait they were from a Broadway musical!! Very camp for the dancing, singing, likeness to my favourite girl group, big voices and even bigger hair!!
2 comments:
Now that's more like it! Like you I loved the clothes and the songs - the characterisation and plot wasn't so hot though. Like you said, its The Supremes with a happy ending - Hollywood sugaring the pill again. Beyonce's character was pretty insipid - Jennifer Hudson was much better. My fave number was "It's All Over" - great lines from Michelle, one of the singers, to Effie:
"Now you watch your mouth, watch your mouth, Ms. Effie White. 'Cause I don't take that talk from no second-rate diva, who can't sustain." I must use that one some time.
I love The Dreams' version of "One Night Only". My friends and I were so awestruck by all the glitter, flashing lights and drag queens that we just end up calling it "The Gay Disco version"
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