A buoyant retelling of a best-loved classic. Blitz Bazawule’s stunning and uplifting musical drama was filled with brilliant performances and visuals that made it rousingly fresh and captivating.
Not many stories to me resonate as profoundly as Alice Walker’s “The Color Purple.” First published in 1982, I only recently read the epistolary novel, which was such a pleasantly easy read for one that’s known to be a “tough topic” book. Its exploration of themes including overcoming trauma, self-acceptance and resilience in the American South, are topics I connect to deeply. The story’s various adaptations, including a Broadway musical on which this recent 2023 release is based; embody the richness of the tale, but still it seems, with an attitude of restraint.
Before the bright lights of Broadway and the gaze of the cinematic lens, came the heart and soul — Alice Walker’s literary classic. A narrative that navigates the often turbulent journey of the main character Celie, an African-American woman who grapples with abuse, love and identity. It’s a story that inspires an intimate identification and gives voice to the voiceless, through its format. Walker captures the essence of Celie’s emotions through her letters to God and her sister Nettie. As a Black woman, I thoroughly enjoyed it as an authentic representation of the varied intersections of race and gender in society.
The 1985 film adaptation directed by Steven Spielberg was my first introduction to the powerful narrative. Watching it as a teenager conveyed an emotional depth that was both dark and stirring at times but also optimistic. Despite its definite exclusion of certain defining elements; hailed by some as more “cheerful” in doing so, it seemed to lack a realness and fidelity to Walker’s book. Interestingly, I think the tempered and brief representation in the 80s film, of queer love relationships and the eventual acceptance of self and others, made the general tone of the film less harmonious than I found the book to be. It’s the inevitable issue with Hollywood movies; they aren’t always well-suited to complex source material. Movie running times and censorship can lead to a flattened-out final product.
As soon as it came out in London theatres, I watched the newest adaptation directed by Ghanaian filmmaker Blitz Bazawule. The film stars and showcases the talents of many notable Black American singers and performers, including Fantasia who plays adult Celie and Halle Bailey as young Nettie. I found some of the musical numbers to be slightly transient so I didn’t feel as transported as I’d hoped. Notably, the inclusion of the song “Miss Celie’s Blues (Sister),” sung by Taraji P. Henson who plays the illustrious character Shug — originally from the 1985 film and written by Quincy Jones; it’s a song that truly signals the essence of Shug and Celie’s relationship. The performance and visual presentation of the song in this 2023 movie against the bright and spaciously, luxurious backdrop of Shug Avery’s Memphis home, communicates a contrastingly different tone to the scene in Spielberg’s film at ‘Harpo’s’ — A scene I much preferred as it brilliantly conveyed the emotions tied to these women’s shared experiences, love, support and understanding for each other.
The most memorable musical performances for me were in the first act. I enjoyed Halle Bailey and Phylicia Pearl Mpasi’s vocal performance of the song “Keep it Movin’” and Corey Hawkin’s song “Workin”.
One of the most compelling aspects of “The Color Purple” is its rich characterisations; the novel provides the unfiltered inner thoughts of Celie through her letters, and the films employ the evocative power of film language and acting. The beauty of the rural South has always captivated me so the visual experience of cinema is one where I felt, in this case truly immersed in Celie’s world in Georgia.
The interconnected theme of sisterhood in this story highlights a profound connection between actual sisters, Celie and Nettie, as well as the support and bonds amongst the other black female characters. I’ve found myself wishing now, that the best format yet to come, should be a mini-series, mostly because there’s still so much of Alice Walker’s material unexplored. Religion for instance serves as a double-edged word in her book, both a source of solace and a tool of oppression in America with Celie and Africa with Nettie. In the novel, Celie grapples with a faith imposed by a patriarchal society; Shug challenges these religious norms encouraging Celie to find a more personal and empowering connection with the divine. Nettie unveils the realities of a continent grappling with the remnants of European colonialism. Her narrative reflects the clash between the indigenous and the imposing force of colonial powers, illustrating the profound impact on African communities. Nettie’s observations comment on the insidious nature of imperialism, shedding light on the exploitation of resources, the erosion of cultural identities, and the resilience of African communities. Walker’s portrayal, through Nettie’s eyes, paints a vivid picture that expands the novel’s scope to encompass a global perspective on oppression and resilience. This narrative thread, while distinct from the American South setting, weaves seamlessly into the broader tapestry of “The Color Purple,” enriching the novel’s exploration of the lasting legacies of colonialism.
One of the most controversial aspects of “The Color Purple” lies in the romantic and sexual relationship between Shug and Celie. The novel fearlessly explores the complexities of love and desire, challenging societal norms. However, the film adaptations opted for a more restrained portrayal, perhaps influenced by prevailing attitudes of the time. Even the 2023 release didn’t really lift the veil on this censored narrative. The musical number “What About Love?” featuring Shug (Taraji P. Henson) and Celie (Fantasia) concludes with the bright light of a movie projector shielding a romantic kiss they share, which then cuts to the women awaking having shared the same bed. Whether it’s the medium or a directorial/studio decision, the omission of a scene that suggests Shug and Celie shared more than just kisses and weren’t just friends but lovers is in a way an erasure of LGBTQ+ experiences. An experience that also contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of the human experience as a whole.
While the 1980s film remains a classic in my eyes, Bazawule’s 2023 adaptation stands as a testament to the enduring power of Walker’s original work. As we navigate the complexities of race, gender, and identity in the 21st century, “The Color Purple” continues to be a timeless story, reminding us of the strength that lies within the human spirit, even in the face of adversity. Whether experienced through the pages of the novel or the magic of cinema, “The Color Purple” has a pull that demands to be seen, heard, and felt.
Check out MY BLOG ♡⸜(˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶ )⸝
