Product: Cadillac Records [Blu-ray] (2008)
Rating: 5.0
An Important Film
The broad subject matter of this important film is so hard to address in a two hour time frame that it would be impossible to satisfy everyone. Many of the loudest critics complaints are addressed in the outtakes and in particular, the director's cut, which should not be missed. I understand the Chess family feared how Leonard would be portrayed and did not cooperate or make the original music available. I think the film strikes a good balance between the valid concerns of the musicians and the economic realities of the business. Until the blues "crossed over", it was hard for anyone to make a buck. Sam Phillips tried at Sun Records & until he found the right white performer, he was strugging in Memphis. Wolf had some success in Memphis before he moved to Chicago, presumably in search of a bigger market.Several of the performances in the film are first rate - the actors playing Little Walter, Howlin' Wolf, Chuck Berry and Etta James in particular. My copy is loaned out to a friend (again!), or I would cite all the actors by name.The unique talents of these musicians is unquestionable, and Phillip Chess's ability to bring that out can't be overlooked. To the doubters, listen to Buddy Guy's compilation, "I Was Walking Through the Woods" on Chess, for my money, still Buddy's best overall recording.