MO' BETTER BLUES
[Spoilers]
A film review by James D. Oliver III
Copyright 1990 James D. Oliver III
Impressions from last week's sneak preview of Spike Lee's newest, MO' BETTER BLUES. The following may contain some minor spoilers for those who like absolutely no prior information.
It stars Denzel Washington, Spike Lee, Wesley Snipes, the Spike Lee Regulars (Joie Lee, Bill Nunn, Giancarlo Esposito, John Turturro) and newcomer Cynda Williams.
It's the story of Bleek Gilliam, jazz trumpeter and band leader, for whom composing and playing--and having absolute control of his music--is the takes precedence over all other facets of his life, including the juggling relationships with two women, and creative and business conflicts within the band. Bleek refuses to make a commitment to either woman or to allow other members of the band to make contributions. At times it occurred to me that it was a cross between PURPLE RAIN and SHE'S GOTTA HAVE IT.
Technically, Spike has never been better. Sometimes you're *too* aware of the camerawork, but when he's on, as he is much more frequently than not, it's an unmatchable combination of artistry and entertainment. The cinematography is the best I've seen in a long, long time. Three outstanding sequences come to mind: First, a scat/rap number by Bleek about the sameness of Top 40 love songs is outstanding (especially after you breathe a sigh of relief at knowing that Denzel isn't going to try to actually *sing*). If someone has any kind of sense, they'll try to market it as a single. Second, a hilarious scene when Bleek does the absolute worse thing a man involved with two women can do. And last, in a summer of escalating cartoon violence, Spike Lee reminds us in excruciating detail how devastating real violence is.
The storyline itself is rather uneven: many strong scenes interspersed with some weak ones. It seems Spike had specific points he wanted to get to, even if he didn't always know how to get there. And the last ten minutes of the film is a miscalculation: a forced "happy" ending. Even then it's clear that Spike was reaching for a specific point; it just doesn't work. However, his failure comes from aiming a lot higher than probably anyone else would. (Actually, an informal consensus on the ending was that Denzel got away with what he did only because he was Denzel: guys, don't try this at home!)
Denzel Washington is absolutely magnificent in his first truly three-dimensional role. The rest of the cast, particularly Wesley Snipes as Shadow, Bleek's saxophonist and rival, and Cynda Williams as Clarke, one of Bleek's girlfriends who wants to become a singer. Rueben Blades and the late Robin Harris show up in bit parts.
Oh, yeah. If you're one of those who consider a movie unrealistic if black people aren't taking drugs, you won't like this one either.
Jim Oliver
oliver@athena.mit.edu / joliver@hstbme.mit.edu
oliver%mitwccf.BITNET@MITVMA.MIT.EDU
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