Much awaited movie Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom has finally been released on Netflix. The musical drama celebrates Black lives through August Wilson's penned stage play. The film stars, Colman Domingo, Chadwick Boseman, and Viola Davis, while it is produced by Denzel Washington.
The film is helmed by George C. Wolfe, and the screenplay is written by Ruben Santiago-Hudson, who revealed that Wilson always wrote plays that are important and created a huge impact. The 64-year-old actor and director admitted that Wilson had a great understanding of the audience's pulse, which eventually reflected on the new generation.
"They reflected each generation and each time specifically in the importance and nature of issues of that era. But things change only so much, the disguise just becomes different," he explained. He further explained that Wilson had always brought revolution through his play while others were about survival.
On the other hand, Davis noted that Wilson's stories had exposed audiences to greatness. The 55-year-old actress shed light on Wilson's two projects being shared with a larger audience on screen and stage at the same time.
She further explained that the worst part about creating something great is to live in a time filled with obscurity. The project is also important because it is releasing amid the Black Lives Matter movement, which has highlighted the institutionalized and systemic racism across the country.
The director revealed that the best part of releasing the film on a streaming platform is that people can watch it again and again while usually stage plays are a one-time thing. He further explained that it is going to be available globally, and people are going to watch it.
He said it is thrilling for him because suddenly everyone who didn't even hear Wilson’s name is going to watch this film. The movie has been highly anticipated to get success at the Oscars. The audience will experience the 20th Century African American chronicle that is based on Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright.
Davis also reflected on her character and revealed that it was difficult to portray the centric character considering the heavy makeup and body pads to look heavier. The actress further explained that she always wanted to perform a character that is different than a black, big, and funny woman.
Moreover, Davis said that she never looked at the character being an antagonist or protagonist because being an actor that's not the way she approaches her role.