In Cadillac Records, writer/director Darnell Martin’s ambitious attempt to capture Chess Records’ iconic era in American Music, the flaws present themselves almost as soon as the opening credits roll.
The familiar cliches (i.e. diluted character development, a blindsiding and undeveloped nosedive from grace, etc.) seen in musical docu-dramas are front and center in this film. Historical accuracy has been maneuvered for the sake of storytelling n a story that is riddled with holes.
But taken in stride, the missteps that come together to create Cadillac Records still gives way for an enjoyable viewing experience.
As the film starts, the audience is introduced to Willie Dixon. He was a bass player/singer/songwriter/producer for Chess Records who penned some of blues legend Muddy Waters’ most famous musical contributions.
Martin decided that it would be Dixon, played by Cedric The Entertainer, who would serve as narrator for Cadillac Records.
The purpose of Dixon’s vocal presence throughout the film is unclear n because he does little more than state the obvious. The role doesn’t transition or weave anything together. Dixon narration only adds monotony as he continuously and simultaneously reveals what is already unfolding before the eyes of the audience.
Instead of the brothers Phil and Leonard Chess, the way Martin tells it in Cadillac Records, Leonard is solely responsible for the rise and fall of the legendary Chicago record label.
Muddy Waters, Little Walter and eventually Howlin’ Wolf, Chuck Berry and eventually Etta James make their way into the film.
As in most cases when too many stories are attempted to be told at once, even despite the bounty of colorful episodes found in the careers of the characters manages to lack substance.
But besides the music n of course n the performances in Cadillac Records pick up most of the slack left behind by the emaciated script.
As Muddy Waters, Jeffrey L. Wright continues to cement his status as one of the most underrated acting talents of his generation.
Adrian Brody was effective in his understated portrayal of Leonard Chess as well.
Although there is still work to be done as she hones her acting chops, Beyonce Knowles was better as Etta James than in any of her previous acting credits. The chemistry between Knowles, Wright and Brody forced her to raise the bar as an actor. Even if she didn’t reach the stratosphere of her costars, Knowles illustrated that there was something to work with n given the fact that it must be worked on.
While they are yet to be considered household names, Columbus Short as Little Walter and Eamonn Walker as Howlin’ Wolf give standout performers.
Walker’s portrayal of Wolf n with his gruffy voice accompanying an authoritative rugged, matter of fact demeanor commands attention from the audience. Meanwhile, Short’s pretty boy with talent superceded only by chaotic personal demons and recklessness will definitely line him up as one to watch on the big screen.
An audience unfamiliar, or unconcerned with the particulars of the Chess Records journey through musical history will indeed be pleased with Cadillac Records. Music buffs n namely bluesheads n may be disappointed with the story, but will relish in its soundtrack.
Cadillac Records opens in theatres Friday, December 5. The film is Rated R with a running time of 109 minutes.