Chadwick Boseman as Levee in Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom
Chadwick Boseman played Levee Green, an ambitious jazz trumpeter in Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom. The film is a 2020 American drama based on August Wilson’s 1982 play.
Plot, Cast, and Production
Set in 1920s Chicago, the story follows Black recording artist Ma Rainey and her band as they navigate exploitation and artistic tension. Viola Davis stars as Ma Rainey, with Boseman, Glynn Turman, and Colman Domingo in key roles. The film was directed by George C. Wolfe and produced by Netflix.
Streaming, Reception, and Legacy
Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom premiered at the 2020 Venice Film Festival and was released on Netflix on December 18, 2020. Critics praised the performances and production design. The film earned multiple award nominations and is widely cited as one of Boseman’s standout roles. More background is available at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ma_Rainey%27s_Black_Bottom
