For several slow-burning, agonizing moments, Queen Latifah
sits stark naked. Drenched in stillness, her 5-foot-10-inch frame
settles, mostly without obstruction, forcing your senses to entirely
digest these on-screen minutes unhurried. It’s an unfiltered scene, not
offensive or vulgar, but calm and altogether empty and melancholic.
Unpacking unseen weight of fame and personal devastation, the
multifaceted entertainer peels off her gaudy jewels along with her
stewing emotions – fully committed to creating the most powerful scene
of HBO’s anticipated Bessie – a biopic of blues icon Bessie Smith.
“I’ve never done that before,” the newly-turned 45-year-old, born Dana
Owens, says as she drives up the California hills toward back-to-back
meetings. “It was a little odd but it was also a quiet, relaxing thing.
Sometimes she was so alone, and it was a moment for Bessie to
acknowledge her vulnerability, which I can completely relate to. When
you get to strip it all down and have a moment to yourself, sometimes
the world comes crashing down in that little moment, or maybe it’s a
moment of peace.”
In some ways, playing the overtly sexual and free-spirited chanteuse
de blues is new for the award-winning actress, whose acting credits lean
largely toward rom-coms and comedic dramas both on the small and silver
screen. Nonetheless, she nailed it. “I don’t find [this nude scene] any
more uncomfortable than kissing a girl in Set It Off and sticking to the script. You have to take your mind off of yourself and honor that character. Respect Cleo, respect Bessie.”
The script – written by screenwriter and director Dee Rees (Pariah)
and co-executive produced by Latifah’s own production banner, Flavor
Unit Entertainment—lingered for 22 years, remaining an unshakeable
fixture in Queen’s personal life. She eventually breathed life into this
historic tale in one month’s time, and called for a specific cast of
talented players – including Michael K. Williams (The Wire, Boardwalk Empire) Oscar-winner Mo’Nique (as Ma Rainey), comedian Mike Epps (Sparkle), Tika Sumpter (The Have and Have Nots), Khandi Alexander (Scandal, The Corner)
and theater and television veteran Charles S. Dutton (as Pa Rainey).
“I’d revisit this woman’s life story every couple years more and more,”
she says. “Although I could’ve pulled off this character when it first
came to me, I now have more depth as a human being.”
Smith’s complex history echoes in Latifah’s present-day life in a
hauntingly familiar way, beyond an on-screen strip-down and trivial
speculation. For years, Queen’s sexuality has been fodder for tabloids,
blogs and the paparazzi.
WORDS BY NIKI MCGLOSTER PHOTOGRAPHED BY ARI MICHELSON
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