By Kevin Koeninger
Converting a successful Broadway show into a popular mainstream film is never an easy task. Remarkably, however, director Bill Condon has surpassed all expectations with his glamour-filled version of the Tony-winning musical, “Dreamgirls.” Memorable performances from big-name stars coupled with a few stunning debuts make the film an incredible spectacle sure to net more than a few Oscars.
The story around which the movie revolves is based loosely on the real-life struggles of Diana Ross and the Supremes, Motown’s most successful musical act in the 1960s. Almost all of the musical’s characters can be paralleled with real-life counterparts, the most notable of which is Beyonce Knowles’ Deena Jones, who is a clear representation of Diana Ross.
And while Knowles’ character has certainly been marketed as the most integral of the film, it becomes astoundingly clear that, despite a great performance on her part, she is not. Instead, it is former American Idol finalist Jennifer Hudson who forcefully takes control of the action with her melodic and powerful voice demanding the attention and respect of the audience. Hudson plays the part of Effie White, the original lead singer of the Dreams, a position held until Deena Jones (Knowles) is placed in the spotlight.
Effie is then replaced just as the band is about to break into the mainstream, a moment that produces the most riveting on-screen vocal performance of this era. Deena and Effie exchange blows by way of impassioned lyrical outbursts, with Effie ultimately left alone on screen. Dejected, heartbroken and enraged, Hudson delivers a show above and beyond anything seen on American Idol. By the time she belts out her last angst-ridden “You will love me,” the theater is alive with applause.
Focusing on the women of the film, however, is a mistake that can lead to overlooking amazing performances by some incredibly versatile actors as well. The most impressive of these is Jamie Foxx, cast as Curtis Taylor Jr., the slick manager who gives the Dreamgirls their first big break and, ultimately, breaks the group apart. Foxx represents the duality of Taylor’s character perfectly by portraying a cold-hearted businessman who eventually becomes romantically involved with those women he represents. A plot rife with love, deception and betrayal sees Taylor as friend, foe and lover, sometimes in the same instant.
Eddie Murphy makes a triumphant return to the screen in a role filled with vigor and emotional intensity. Cast as James “Thunder” Early, an amalgamation of James Brown and Marvin Gaye, he provides the Dreamgirls with an opportunity to become his backup singers. Early on in the film, Murphy’s character comes off as rather flimsy and overacted, but the true depth of James Early is discovered and appreciated shortly before the film’s conclusion. Not to be left behind, Danny Glover also contributes a worthy performance in his role as Marty, the devoted and sometimes over-protective manager of Thunder Early.
There are enough twists and turns of plot to keep the movie fresh throughout, and the breakneck pace at which the film starts keeps up as it progresses. The production and direction values are stellar as well; it is, in fact, difficult to find a negative aspect of this musical. Certainly, the plot is a bit convoluted and everything has a certain fairy tale feel, but it is important to remember that “Dreamgirls” is a musical. And as a musical, the film shines brighter than most in recent memory.
“Dreamgirls” is glitz, glamour and spectacle, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
