Director Blitz Bazawule attempts to navigate the difficult task of balancing themes of rape and racism with show tunes in the film musical “The Color Purple”. Inspired by Alice Walker’s Pulitzer-winning novel and the 2005 stage musical, the film brings a delicate narrative to the screen.
The story centers around a teenage Celie, played by Phylicia Pearl Mpasi, who becomes pregnant for the second time by her father. However, the story is undercut by an opening number that promises that the Lord works in “mysterious ways”. This opening sequence sets a tone that may work against the violence that is so crucial to the source material.
The film tries to transform a devastating narrative into a song-and-dance show, and does so with a talented cast. Fantasia Barrino, who plays the role of Celie, provides a strong presence, while Taraji P. Henson and Danielle Brooks deliver standout performances as well. However, the pacing of the film is criticized and there is a tension between the magic realism and the conventions of a mainstream musical.
Additionally, although the production numbers are frequently dazzling, they can at times be poorly lit and visually distracting. Despite these issues, the character of Mister, played by Colman Domingo, is highlighted as a commanding presence on-screen.
In closing, “The Color Purple” manages to find a balance between tragedy and entertainment, but the question arises whether or not this approach is the best way to honor Walker’s vision. The film, rated PG-13, contains mature thematic elements including domestic abuse, child rape, sexuality, violence, and strong language, and has a runtime of 141 minutes. At the end of the day, it seems that the film’s uneven results have caused more critics to ask questions than simply praise its execution.