The United States v. Billie Holiday | Film Review
**Contains Spoilers**
This film is about how the FBI attempts to take down Billie Holiday because of her controversial song, Strange Fruit.
I was super excited to see this movie because the trailer definitely piqued my interest, plus I love biopics. The movie opens with horrific images of Black people being lynched, setting the stage for the rest of the film. Billie’s song, Strange Fruit, is an anti-lynching ballad that leads to her rise in fame. The FBI sends in a Black undercover agent to get information on Billie in efforts to stop her from singing the song. They see the song as a threat because they believe it gets Black people riled up which in turn would be a threat to White supremacy. Basically the government is hating on how successful the song was doing and wanted it to stop.
To our surprise the undercover agent is Jimmy Fletcher (Trevante Rhodes). He uses his charm and wit to get close to Billie, and reports back her excessive drug use to the bureau. The cops bust Billie and she is sentenced to a year and a day in jail. As Billie is detoxing in jail, James is praised at work. Although he is a sell out, he is definitely sexy (whew great casting, I can’t stay mad at him). FBI agent, Anslinger, tells James to get back with Billie. Instead of following orders, he visits her in jail and tells her the truth that the feds are determined to catch her (see I knew he wasn’t so bad) .
Billie was a high functioning drug addict, she simply could not kick the bad habit. She continues to sing Strange Fruit on tour and the FBI just won’t let up. They were so determined to go after her. Billie is set up once again by another lover but at trial, James’ testimony leads to her acquittal. Thereafter he and Billie fall in love.
Ultimately, her drug abuse leads to her career declining and eventually Billie developed liver disease. James stays by her side and tends to her during her time of need. Even on her deathbed, the feds tried to get Billie to go on record to denounce Strange Fruit. She refused and they arrested her and cuffed her feet to the hospital bed.
Andra Day did a stunning job! She killed this role and the costume design is to die for. I did get a bit confused with the timeline with all the flashbacks but all in all I enjoyed the film. I love how they did not glance over her performances. Andra sang her face off. Imagine being told you must stop singing a particular song or else we will harass you for the rest of your life. One of the standout moments for me is the scene where the elevator operator refuses to let Billie on because it is whites only. Even though the operator was Black himself, he knew if he allowed Billie to take the ride he would be fired. Her stardom did not leave her exempt from racism and discrimination.
Comments