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Cadillac Records
2008 109 min United States of America R 16+
★7.1
Drama, History, Music
Director: Darnell Martin
Trailers
Description
The story of sex, violence, race and rock and roll in 1950s Chicago, and the exciting but turbulent lives of some of America's musical legends, including Muddy Waters, Leonard Chess, Little Walter, Howlin' Wolf, Etta James and Chuck Berry.
Budget:
$12M
US Gross:
$8.2M
Worldwide:
$8.88M
Starring
Adrien Brody
Actor
Jeffrey Wright
Actor
Beyoncé
Actor
Awards
Golden Globe 2009
— Best Original Song
Key opinion
Cadillac Records is widely praised as an essential, atmospheric tribute to the legends of Chess Records and the birth of blues and rock 'n' roll. While some viewers feel the film struggles with narrative structure, its strong performances, period immersion, and excellent soundtrack make it a rewarding experience for music enthusiasts.
| Production | The film excels at transporting viewers to 1950s Chicago through meticulous period detail, classic cars, and a rich, authentic aesthetic. | |
| Acting | The cast delivers strong performances, with special recognition for Beyoncé's dramatic range as Etta James and Adrien Brody’s portrayal of label founder Leonard Chess. | |
| Score | The soundtrack is a standout element that captures the spirit of the era and serves as the film's most powerful, life-affirming component. | |
| Pacing | Opinions on pacing are divided: some find the music-driven, documentary-style narrative to be an immersive experience, while others describe the tempo as uneven or occasionally dragging. | |
| Screenplay | The screenplay is viewed as a functional vehicle for introducing legendary musicians to new audiences, though critics note it lacks a deep, focused plot in favor of a broad biographical overview. |