Anthony Yusef – Google

I'm a huge fan of Diana so this is why this film gets 3 stars from me. Especially in the mid 70's you couldn't take your eyes off of her. The films failure is in the arrogance of Berry Gordy who fought with original director Tony Richardson and decided to direct this himself. Bad Idea! Richardson wanted this film to center more around the relationship of Diana and Billy D Williams. Who had obvious immense chemistry, when Gordy took the reigns he made Anthony Perkins character more of focal point which made the movie weird. It was also a bad idea to let DIana do the costume design for the movie, most of the creations looked Halloweenish! MAHOGANY could've and should've been a light weight romantic love story but the novice turns by Gordy as director and Diana as costume designer sealed its fate. This movie is for Diana fans and no one else.

The criticism of this biopic was that it wasn't very factual. The script was taken from Billie Holiday's autobiography who by her own admission wasn't that "truthful" but entertaining. So the fact that Hollywood took some liberties with events should not be any surprise. What this movie does have are two incredible performances by Diana Ross and Richard Pryor. It has a gorgeous score by Michel Legrand and the movie just looks good. The film gives a glimpse into the life and struggles of Lady Day, and Diana's interpretation of Holiday's music coming off a decade of the Supremes is magical.

This movie is made for entertainment not enlightenment. When you have a good cast some standout performances half the battle is won. You can overlook the flaws in the movie if you like the characters. There are two compelling scenes in this movie. When Jack (Ice Cube) undressed Dakota Johnson for her antics in the recording studio. Then there is the scene in the bathroom with Tracee and Dakota. When a weary Grace explains to the young Maggie what she has endured in the music business as a aging woman of color. It's the type a scene that will have Tracee Ellis Ross' name whispered for supporting actress when the award season comes around.