However, the performance that I found most fascinating in the film was that of Beyonce Knowles as lead Dreamgirl Deena Jones. She is, after all, this generation’s Diana Ross, playing a fictionalized version of Ross, in the movie musical loosely inspired by Ross’ group, The Supremes. If nothing else, taking this role demonstrates that Knowles has major cajones.
More than that though, Knowles delivers an engaging, nuanced performance. It may seem somewhat odd that one of the most famous singers in the world could actually be the most underrated member of the cast. However, as a movie star she is still somewhat unproven; her limited filmography is “highlighted” by a costarring turn in Steve Martin’s middling “The Pink Panther” and playing Mike Myers ridiculously younger love interest in the final Austin Powers film.
So, for her to be cast in the centerpiece role in a major film musical was a risky proposition, but one that pays off well for director Bill Condon. Knowles turn as Deena successfully takes her from her shy, naive beginnings, through a repressive and manipulative marriage, and ultimately ends with her as a mature, independent woman. And, despite her shaky resume, Beyonce has the musical talent and screen presence to embody this part- as of right now, this is the role she was born to play.
That is not to say that the remainder of the film is in any way lacking; from Murphy to Hudson and everyone in between, this is a spectacular movie. There are a few minor flaws in the film to be sure: at times the narrative feels a bit rushed (perhaps as a result of the stage to screen adaptation). However, for the most part the storyline is easy to follow, and serves as a great backdrop for the fantastic performances and musical numbers.
As stated above, “Dreamgirls” roughly parallels the rise and fall of Motown legends, The Supremes. In the film, Deena Jones, Effie White (Hudson), and Lorrell Robinson (Anika Noni Rose) are a 60’s musical trio from Detroit, Michigan, who are managed by a crafty car salesman named Curtis Taylor Jr. (Jamie Foxx). Soon Taylor gets the girls, now performing as “The Dreams,” a gig doing back-up work for the popular soul singer James “Thunder” Early (Eddie Murphy), and brings on Effie’s brother C.C. (Keith Robinson) to write material for the act.
Before long, Taylor, Early, and the girls are scratching their way up from their local Detroit roots to national prominence. However fame, as it often does, carries a price- soulful lead singer Effie is cast aside in favor of the more pop-friendly Deena, Early is transformed from a raw, magnetic performer to a more conventional crooner, and C.C. consistently feels as though the integrity of his work is being compromised in favor of commercialism. All the while, Taylor begins to impose himself on the others, particularly his star and lover, Deena.
That is one of the key points the film attempts to make- that success should not be judged by sales figures or by popular appeal, rather that creative and personal integrity are the paramount goal. Based on those criteria, “Dreamgirls” is an unquestionable triumph.
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Beyonce
Written by Guest on 2007-01-10 19:27:05
I personally feel that she has come a long way since Pink Panther and Austin Powers. She delivers in the part as well as anyone else could have, and I don't even like Knowles myself. However her performance is noteworthy and deserves praise.  |
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