Andra Day (Billie), Leslie Jordan (Reginald), Miss Lawrence (Miss Freddy), Natasha Lyonne (Tallulah), Trevante Rhodes (Jimmy), Dusan Dukic (Joe), Erik Harvey (James), Da'Vine Randolph (Roslyn), Letitia Brookes (Velva).
The United States vs. Billie Holiday is an interesting and entertaining biography that begins with an interview and a memory. Billie's life was definitely an adventure with plenty of sex, drugs, and music. Entering music out of necessity, she quickly began to soar professionally. And once she found drugs, the fall seemed to start. That is about the same time a narcotics agent began targeting Billie with an undercover sting operation and eventual attempted censorship of her music.
Acting from Day was very good with solid emotion and ownership of the role. Rhodes was decent and seemed to work well with Day. Jordan was energetic as always and delivered as usual, though didn't quite seem to fit the film. The remainder of the cast was good.
Camera work, sets, and backgrounds are good and feel fairly fitting to the period. Costuming was nicely done, as were mild action scenes. Dialogue was good with nice depth and fair movement, though 130 minutes of run-time felt a bit long. Sound and soundtrack are nicely done despite focusing on only a few different songs.
In the end it was Day that made this film. While the story and technical work are good, Day brought focus and energy to the film making it enjoyable as entertainment rather than just a story. Those with interest in the life of Billie Holiday will enjoy this the most.
With a fair amount of graphic sex and nudity, depicted violence, a good dose of foul language, and an overdose of drugs, save this one for older teens and above.
Released: 2021
Reviewed: 4.22.21
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Biography, Music, Drama, History, Crime
copyright ©2021 Dave Riedel
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