Cadillac Records
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Chess Records was located on the south side of Chicago. In 1947, it began recording blues music with Muddy Waters and Little Walter. This eventually gave birth to rock and roll in 1955 with Chuck Berry. Record producer Leonard Chess has an ear for this different type of music and believes he can cash
… More »Chess Records was located on the south side of Chicago. In 1947, it began recording blues music with Muddy Waters and Little Walter. This eventually gave birth to rock and roll in 1955 with Chuck Berry. Record producer Leonard Chess has an ear for this different type of music and believes he can cash in by signing up new talent such as songwriter Willie Dixon, Howlin' Wolf, and Etta James. Chess makes all of his artists part of his family and takes care of them. This is not easy since they spend a small fortune on booze, drugs, and the high life. When Chuck Berry goes to jail, Leonard is able to find another talented performer, Etta James, to take his place. In the late sixties, as their music goes out of favor, Leonard Chess gets out of the record business.
« LessOriginally released as a motion picture in 2008
English or dubbed French dialogue ; optional English or French subtitles ; closed-captioned
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Summary
Add a SummaryThis movie captures a time in American history where racism & bigotry was rampant &shows the lives of several Black people as they try to make it in a world that clearly is not able to allow Black people their place in life. Through their music, originally captured by a white man trying to record the folk songs of the deep south, Muddy Waters realizes that his lot in life it to sing. Along with several other Black men & a Jewish record producer, money, prestige, fame, is what they get while integration is on the cusp of changing a nation. This shows the story of blues & the history of Rock 'n Roll & the lives of the singers who made it so. This is a must see movie for all music buffs, especially the young. Beware, language & violence are not pretty, but the story is one that has influenced ALL the music of today. ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ this movie, for it's story alone, deserves more stars than the stars that are in it.
Notices
Add a NoticeCoarse Language: Let's face it, they swear, and swear a lot
Violence: The 1950's was a racist time with racist violence on every corner. That's the way it was.
Sexual Content: The sexual content is there but it is not a overt as one would expect. The violence/coarse language is much worse.
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Beyonce - I'd Rather Go Blind
Beyonce Knowles performs Etta James song "I'd Rather Go Blind" in Darnell Martin movie Cadillac Records.
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Add a CommentOften times it is hard to understand what the characters are saying, there is much mumbling. However, the actor portraying Muddy Waters steals the show, and is worth watching just for him. The absolutely frightful Howlin' Wolf is a must see (although he looks like they may have painted his face for increased effect). And Adrien Brody does a decent job of holding the story together, although his character is a bit flat. Beyonce is a surprise, managing to display genuine talent as Etta James. All in all, a good movie, light entertainment, good to pass some time but probably mostly forgettable.
It was a good movie! Beyonce made the movie in my opinion. I loved her performance of "I'd Rather Go Blind."
solid cultural/music industry movie spanning decades but primarily set during 50/60's. Big breaks, fading racism but ever present issues and just good music.
Masterpiece it ain't; enjoyable & touching nonetheless. Soulful music & acting by a solid cast. Beyoncé gave a heartbreaking performance of "I'd Rather Go Blind"; & Eamonn Walker made a sexy Howlin' Wolf. It might not be the most insightful musical biopic, but definitely worth seeing just to get a glimpse of the Blue history. See it.
Excellent movie and a must see for all music buffs. The history of all music stems from here. Watch it and gain an understanding of just how influential one race has been on the American culture. ☆☆☆☆☆
Good – Cadillac Records (2008) 109 min. The film provides a look at the beginnings of Chess Records, a record company that included Muddy Waters, Etta James and Chuck Berry. Adrian Brody plays Leonard Chess, the founder of the record company who brought the blues greats to fame. The film delivers on the dramatics of each performer trying to find a place for themselves in the entertainment world especially Beyonce (playing Etta James) but the real charm in the film is the music itself. Also, the film explored how white acts catapulted to stardom on music created by African Americans while the African Americans were left behind.
Excellent movie!
Loved it, great movie
This is one of the best movies about musicians in the blues and early rock 'n' roll era that I have ever seen. Although parts of this movie are fictionalized, it never strays from the inner truth of what happened. The casting is excellent and all the actors turn in top notch performances.