Live Life Team
If you’re a music buff, you will probably enjoy ‘Cadillac Records’ a lot.
The movie is about the rise of Chess Records. It is the label that popularised what was known as “race music” during a time racial segregation was still prevalent. It’s a familiar tale but I enjoyed watching it. This is Darnell Martin’s story of Leonard Chess, Muddy Waters, Little Walter etc; their rise to fame and the ups and downs en route.
The reason I probably enjoyed ‘Cadillac Records’ despite it’s slightly clichéd storyline is because of its amazing cast. I have been in love with Adrien Brody ever since ‘The Pianist’ and he plays struggling businessman Leonard Chess in this movie. He meets blues musician hopeful Muddy Waters (played by Jeffrey Wright) and decides to give the music business a shot. Slowly, Leonard builds the Chess Records empire which becomes better known as “Cadillac Records” because everyone who starts recording there ends up with a Cadillac!
But success brings with it a fair share of problems as most musical histories like reminding us. This one isn’t any different and Leonard begins to struggle while helping Walter, Muddy and the newest recruit Chuck Berry (played by Mos Def) – each of whom get entangled in personal, professional, and even legal messes. Etta James (Beyonce Knowles) is another not-so-predictable singer he signs on and Leonard realises success isn’t as easy as he thought.
All of the actors play their roles so convincingly you can hardly find a fault. I especially enjoyed Jeffrey Wright’s Muddy because of the subtle complexity he manages to portray.
So watch this one for the great performances by the cast and for your musical history update.
