Dreamgirls Redux

Adam brought up some interesting points in his response to my Dreamgirls review that have made me think more about the film.

The point about Jamie Foxx's character is a good one, and I think I would see it if I were more familiar with the stage show. All I have to go off of is the movie and I think a combination of Jamie Foxx's less than stellar performance and the fact that all the characters were a little underwritten in the film makes me ultimately think that the movie version of Curtis lacked the subtlety and depth of the stage version. Perhaps if Condon had given more than just a cursory nod to the social conditions driving the upheaval of the 60s and 70s. Or perhaps if he given Curtis more compelling action earlier in the film. Or maybe he just needed a better actor in the role. Whatever the reason, Curtis just didn't work for me.

I agree that Beyonce nailed "Listen" but by that point it was too little too late.

Ultimately, however, it was the lack of non-musical development that caused me to grade Dreamgirls so harshly. Even the characters I liked were underwitten, and the film ultimately felt like one well put together song after another. I think that is the cause of the other problems I had with the film, and its the reason I ultimately graded it low.