Cast
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Ledisi
as Mahalia Jackson
Columbus Short
as Martin Luther King Jr.
Janet Hubert
as Aunt Duke
Wendy Raquel Robinson
as Cylestine
Keith David
as Ink Williams
Corbin Bleu
as Cab Calloway
Keith D. Robinson
as Thomas Dorsey
Jai'Len Christine Li Josey
as Hannah
ShaLeah Nicole
as Young Mahalia
Wren T. Brown
as Clive
Ava Elise Cherry
as Young Mahalia
Vanessa Williams
as Lucille
Crew
Director
- Denise Dowse
Writer
- Ericka Nicole Malone
Producer
- Vincent Allen
- Re'Shaun Frear
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Remember Me: The Mahalia Jackson Story examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Denise Dowse brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2022, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Remember Me: The Mahalia Jackson Story took approximately 35 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 94 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 153 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 1473 individual shots.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 2022, when this film is released:
- Artificial intelligence was becoming increasingly integrated into daily life and creative industries.
- The COVID-19 pandemic transformed global health, economics, and social interaction.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Remember Me: The Mahalia Jackson Story shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Annie Hall, which focuses more on action than character development, Remember Me: The Mahalia Jackson Story offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like The Last Emperor and GoodFellas explore similar territory, Remember Me: The Mahalia Jackson Story stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: September 19, 2022
- Runtime: 1h 34m
Where to Watch
