Product: Cadillac Records [Blu-ray] (2008)
Rating: 4.0
From the Delta to Chicago
Though not 100% factual, Cadillac Records is a movie that gives the general public some insight into the roots of contemporary blues. We get to see how the migration of Delta Blues to Chicago came about, where it gets electrified by Muddy Waters, laying the foundation for the British Invasion, which brought American Blues back to the States for mass consumption.In typical Hollywood fashion, parts of this story have been fabricated, or the truth stretched a bit. Nonetheless, this was an entertaining movie, with great music and fine performances.Most, but not all, of the major players are included in this picture, Muddy Waters, Willie Dixon, Howlin' Wolf, Little Walter, Chuck Berry, Leonard Chess, and Etta James. There's so much more to the stories of all these individuals, that each would make a fascinating movie in itself.In my book, the more the public knows and is exposed to the history of the blues, which is a uniquely American cultural phenomenon, the better.Keeping the blues alive, means the public needs to be exposed and interested in this great music. This movie was done well enough to wet the appetite, and hopefully stir that interest.