Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, an August Wilson play, has been adapted for the screen and is currently on the popular streaming platform Netflix. The film is already getting Oscar buzz for its star-studded cast, eerily relevant themes, and its highly charged emotional performances. But one scene in particular may be considered the most controversial part of the entire film: When Levee, played by Chadwick Boseman, boldly speaks against God.
Background
Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom takes place in 1920’s Harlem. The movie centers on Ma Rainey, a legendary Blues musician, recording the smash hit “Black Bottom” for white record executives. While the band comprised of four talented musicians wait for Ma Rainey to arrive, these four black men share their stories and unique perspectives on racism, class, equity, and religion.
During a highly charged discussion about black exploitation in the music business by white executives, Levee played by Chadwick Boseman threatens his bandmate at knife point and tells him to ask God for help – like God “helped my momma!” Then he proceeds to go on a rant, taunts God to strike him down, then uses profanity against His holy name. Even though it was “acting”, for me, it was still very shocking and uncomfortable to watch.
The Aknowingspirit team had a discussion about the growing trend in Hollywood to create art that pushes the limits, with the aim of bringing forth strong emotional responses from the audience. This is considered the cathartic view of cinema and it’s used quite often to push certain themes and controversial perspectives.
For instance, in September of 2020, the Oscars released new criteria for considering films for Best Picture. While the stated purpose is “to reflect our diverse global population in both the creation of motion pictures and in the audiences who connect with them”, it may also be a subtle attempt to steer the types of movies made and the content of those films. See our full discussion on this topic below. Let us know what you think.
