Ma Rainey's Black Bottom - Netflix

[scotrace]

We watched this Saturday night, and it has much to recommend it. Of course, Viola Davis brings a fearless performance as the Mother of the Blues, Ma Rainey. Branford Marsalis is responsible for the music. Its the last performance by Chadwick Boseman, who died of cancer after filing was completed.
It's based on the August Wilson play by the same name, and feels like a play to watch--all the action is in a single location. It's the story of recording the titular song.

Interestingly, Ma Rainey 78s are in the hundreds of dollars on eBay at the moment. I'm not sure if that's cause and effect.

 

[Worf]

Snookums and I intend to watch this play, eventually. I love August Wilson's work but it's so raw, so personal so... close to home that I have to be mentally prepared for it. I have to steel myself to be "put through the wringer" so to speak.

Worf

 

[scotrace]

We found it to be just that. It's strong stuff.