“Dreamgirls” (2006) is the story of three young, black, and impoverished women striving to make a name for themselves in the music industry. Since their earliest years Deena (Beyoncé Knowles), Effie (Jennifer Hudson), and Lorrell (Anika Noni Rose) sang together in their housing project, wondering when a record producer might discover them.
The girls’ prayers are answered by an unlikely messenger. Jamie Foxx, known for his exceptional musical performance in “Ray” (2004) portrays Curtis Taylor Jr., the owner of a local car dealership searching for America’s first black pop superstars. Set in early 60s Detroit, at a time before the civil rights movement would gain full momentum, white America seemed unlikely to welcome a trio of black songstresses, no matter how talented or beautiful. However Curtis wholeheartedly believes not only in the marketability of the girls, but on their potential to sell equal or more records than their white counterparts, including sensations such as the Beatles.
With money from his car dealership, in addition to funds from less noble enterprises, Curtis begins building the offices for his soon-to-be cash cow, the fictional Rainbow Records. In almost no time the up and coming executive lands the girls a gig as backup singers for R&B star James “Thunder” Early (Eddie Murphy). Eventually the girls’ own talent becomes impossible to ignore, and overshadows Early’s performance, leading them to headline their own shows.
While Curtis realizes he can easily captivate and sell records to other African-Americans, he does not believe the group is ready to conqueror white, teenage audiences. In an attempt to whiten the girls’ image he requests writer C.C. White (Keith Robinson) to compose songs less characteristic of R&B and more akin to white, top 40 pop. This move by itself is risky, and could potentially alienate their already loyal black fans. However Curtis’ next maneuver is arguably more risky: he replaces then girlfriend Effie, a full-bodied amazing lead singer with the more attractive, and more petite Deena. Curtis ensures Effie that this is a purely strategic move intended to capitalize on audiences’ perceptions of beauty and readily admits, along with Denna, that Effie is a superior singer.
Yet as Deena begins wooing crowds across the country Curtis finds himself drawn to her. Soon rumors reach Effie that Deena and Curtis are having an affair, putting the fate of the entire group in jeopardy. Can the trio weather the turbulence to come without forfeiting the bonds that propelled them to success in the first place?
“Dreamgirls” began in the early 80s as a Broadway musical and attempts to transfer it to the big screen have stalled in preproduction numerous times. Throughout the past three decades divas such as Whitney Houston and Lauren Hill have competed for the role of Effie, though each would walk away disappointed as various problems halted the movie. Nonetheless when the film did appear years later its musically talented cast was definitely no disappointment. Beyoncé is certainly no stranger to the diva role, nor is she unfamiliar with the complicated dynamics of working in a conflicting group – in her case former Destiny’s Child band mates. Likewise Effie, portrayed by American Idol underdog Jennifer Hudson brings a sense of frustration to her character, adding to her believability. Even Eddie Murphy is no stranger to the music business, having recorded an album himself alongside departed funk sensation Rick James. Critics have lauded Murphy for his performance as a fledgling, drug-addicted and washed up star in the film, a departure from his most recent, and less serious comedic roles in family films such as “The Nutty Professor” (1996).
Aside from the film’s technical and musical merits “Dreamgirls” is also a history lesson in the evolution of modern black American music, and the perils involved with its creation. Parallels are intentionally drawn between Rainbow Records and real-life Detroit hit-machine Motown records. Curtis is an almost tit for tat duplicate of Motown’s Barry Gordy Jr., while The Dreams’ infighting, talent, rise to success and fall from grace parallels that of famed girl group The Supremes.
“Dreamgirls” was a box office smash and critical success. Earning over $154 million worldwide the picture now holds the title of the highest grossing film starring an entirely African-American cast. Its 2 Oscars, 3 Golden Globes, and numerous other wins and nominations will no doubt solidify the musical’s historical greatness in the annals of Hollywood history.
The picture is rated PG-13 for language, some sexuality and drug content. Its runtime is 130 minutes.