Nothing Sells Like "Cadillac Records"
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“Sex, drugs, and rock n’ roll” is an old saying that is commonly used to described the 70’s. However, the newly released “Cadillac Records” focuses on the music scene 60 years ago, and tells a story of “sex, violence, race, and the blues.”
“Cadillac Records” explores the legend of Chess Records, a historic African-American dominated blues label based in Chicago in the 1940’s through the 1960’s. The most notable Cadillac artists included Muddy Waters, Little Walter, Howlin’ Wolf, Etta James, and the immortal Chuck Berry. The story also follows Leonard Chess, the white founder of Chess Records.
Adrien Brody plays the role of Chess, an ambitious junkyard dealer who has dreams of owning his own club. The dream comes true, and for a period of time Chess is able to earn a steady living from the place. However, the club mysteriously burns down, so Chess decides to use the insurance money to form his own recording label.
Chess first signs Muddy Waters (Jeffery Wright) and harmonica extraordinaire, Little Walter (Columbus). Waters and Walter record “I Can’t Be Satisfied,” and set the charts on fire. The hits pour in, and Chess Records explodes into a blues powerhouse.
Writer/Director Darnell Martin had an extremely difficult job set out for her when she decided to take on this project. In just an hour and 48 minutes, she had to tell the stories of the founders of all American and British music from the early 40s and into the 21 st century.
Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Chuck Berry, and Etta James all are worthy of having movie made to honor just them. Therefore, the movie cannot truly pay the full respect necessary to each one of these legends. “Cadillac” was very fast-paced and did not give the audience enough time to begin to get comfortable with one particular character. It seemed that every couple of minutes another musical genius was thrust onto the screen. The movie wasn’t able to address each character’s relationship to Chess Records or how they get involved with Chess Records. Also, for any devoted blues fan, the movie was not entirely factual. The movie didn’t even mention Phil Chess, the co-founder of Chess Records and brother of Leonard Chess.
Luckily, the film’s faults did not take away from its amazing soundtrack. Wright’s version of Muddy Water’s “Hootchie Coochie Man” was foot-stompingly excellent, and Beyonce’s renditions of Etta James’ “Church Bells” and “I’d Rather Go Blind” were spectacular. I personally felt that Beyonce had one of the best performances in the movie, outdoing almost every other actor on “Cadillac’s” star studded cast.
However, even Beyonce’s impressive vocal work could not overshadow the godfather of rock n’ roll, Chuck Berry, who was played by Mos Def. Def’s character was witty, charming, and a bad-ass all at the same time. Chuck Berry was one of the most influential musicians of all time, and “Cadillac” was able to portray his interesting life. For a short period of time in the 1950s, Berry was the most successful artist on the Chess label. He was the first African-American to integrate audiences and create music for both races during that controversial time. The movie shows the rise and fall of Berry’s dynamic career.
I found “Cadillac Records” to be an excellent film. It has a combination of solid acting and an awesome soundtrack. These two aspects come together to form a beautiful piece of work. However, the more intense blues fans may choose to steer away from the film due to its lack of factual evidence, but I still believe that for any fan of music, this movie is a must see.
