Dolemite Is My Name
During the blaxploitation movement, there was the birth of Dolemite: an insane comedy, action, crime, whatever you want to call it. So far removed from its peers, Dolemite was different enough to gain a cult status and spawn sequels. It’s about time that this wacky production process’s story was told, and Craig Brewer saw fit to tell that tale. Dolemite Is My Name is a straight forward biopic that details how comedian Rudy Ray Moore decided to leap into cinema to create his own eccentric vision.
So, who better to cast than Eddie Murphy, right? That’s not even a thought. Murphy is the perfect casting choice, with perhaps his best role he has ever performed to date. Murphy’s ability to finesse Moore’s standup days, transition into the movies, and his downtime, all while being Moore and not himself, is uncanny. I’d argue that everything in Brewer’s Dolemite is well executed, but the story leaps from standard to captivating because of how exceptional Murphy is in the leading role.
Rudy Ray Moore’s stand up beginnings. Eddie Murphy’s comedy expertise brings these early moments to life.
The entire cast is solid as well, including some surprisingly strong turns from Wesley Snipes and Craig Robinson, expectedly impactful work by Keegan-Michael Key, Da’Vine Joy Randolph and Tituss Burgess, and some worthwhile cameos from Chris Rock, Snoop Dogg, and Bob Odenkirk. Dolemite has big names for days, but it utilizes everyone so well (every minute is used up efficiently for all performers).
It’s also a blast to see the shenanigans of how Dolemite was made. Not to compare the film to The Room, but Dolemite reminded me of The Disaster Artist’s goal to bring you onto a troubled film set. Artist relied heavily on what you already knew about Tommy Wiseau’s lore. Dolemite is very newbie friendly, and that makes all of the hectic shoot a blast to sit in on. The original Dolemite was all about making frantic magic happen, and Dolemite Is My Name can churn that joy out in spades.
Dolemite became more than a persona for Moore.
Even the downtime is electric and hilarious. Just everything about this film is enjoyable to any degree. It’s exactly the kind of film Brewer should be making, the kind of roles Murphy should be taking, and the commitment that conventional, by-the-number biopics should be showing. With other performers and a different director on deck, Dolemite Is My Name may have been decent. With all of the love visibly shoved into this project, it becomes a must-see instead.
Andreas Babiolakis has a Masters degree in Film and Photography Preservation and Collections management from Ryerson University, as well as a Bachelors degree in Cinema Studies from York University. His favourite times of year are the Criterion Collection flash sales and the annual Toronto International Film Festival.