Not long into this four-part series loosely based on the life of Madam C.J. Walker, the groundbreaking African-American hair care tycoon, one realizes it's not going to be a straightforward historical drama. It seems more like a stylized attempt to make political, social and spiritual points using enough of Walker's life as a vehicle to at least give the viewer some sense of what a female entrepreneur of color had to face in order to build a successful business in the USA of the early 20th century.
Intrusive (and gratuitous) dream sequences, musical numbers, rap soundtrack elements, and 21st century-flavored dialogue and situations call attention to the filmmakers' agenda. But at the center is another splendid performance by Octavia Spencer whose command of the screen makes up for the scenario's shortcomings. She is ably supported by Blair Underwood as her wayward husband, Carmen Ejogo as a business rival and stunningly by Tiffany Haddish as her saucy daughter. Haddish in particular has a gift for comedy and a winning way of singing a song badly, like a off-key combination of Sophie Tucker, Moms Mabley and Pearl Bailey.
Walker's life was far messier and more troubled than this simplified glossy treatment would suggest, but this has been the case with Hollywood biopics for many, many years. "Self Made," despite its problems, is still a frequently stirring experience and worth seeing.
Intrusive (and gratuitous) dream sequences, musical numbers, rap soundtrack elements, and 21st century-flavored dialogue and situations call attention to the filmmakers' agenda. But at the center is another splendid performance by Octavia Spencer whose command of the screen makes up for the scenario's shortcomings. She is ably supported by Blair Underwood as her wayward husband, Carmen Ejogo as a business rival and stunningly by Tiffany Haddish as her saucy daughter. Haddish in particular has a gift for comedy and a winning way of singing a song badly, like a off-key combination of Sophie Tucker, Moms Mabley and Pearl Bailey.
Walker's life was far messier and more troubled than this simplified glossy treatment would suggest, but this has been the case with Hollywood biopics for many, many years. "Self Made," despite its problems, is still a frequently stirring experience and worth seeing.