Smokey Robinson, Berry Gordy, Dreamgirls

[needlefingers]

This was in today's New York Daily News' Radio column:

.... Motown institution Smokey Robinson told "Morning Edition" on NPR last week he finds the film "Dreamgirls" "very, very, very offensive." He says it tarnishes and distorts the story of how Motown grew under founder Berry Gordy....


My reply: It's a show. It's a movie. The names were changed to protect the innocent (and maybe the guilty). In any case, it is not about Motown. It, like many other plays and movies is a representation of life. But not an exact replica. And it's a musical, which means it's also further from the realms of reality.

I like Motown, I like Berry Gordy, I like Smokey Robinson.

But I love Dreamgirls. I always have. It is not offensive.

And to Smokey, I say "Lighten up. It's only a movie."

[eddie]

But Dreamgirls was supposed to be about the Supremes. It wasn't a vague or ficticious plot like the Five Heartbeats was in 1991. I would strongly recommend Barry Gordy's book, To be loved, for an accurate depiction of the Motown scene in Mr. Gordy's words. I think the rewritting of history is irresponsible especially if objected by the people who were there.

[Mixmachine]

Recently Diana Ross in an appearance on the Letterman show said that She will be watching the movie with her lawyers

[needlefingers]

I agree that it's inspiration is based on Motown and The Supremes but that is not how it started out to be.

And you can't help comparing Dreamgirls to their story. Especially because the film does more to give you that impression.

But many stories, plays, books and films are inspired by real people. A few examples : Primary Colors (Bill Clinton) Citizen Kane (William Randolph Hearst) All The Kings Men (Huey P. Long)

I have no problem if a lawsuit was filed by anyone who feels libeled or damaged by this movie.

But what I found odd is Smokey Robinson giving it 3 "very"s. I personally think it is a composite of other girl groups and personalities of that era. Eddie Murphy's character is based on James Brown, but Brown was not on the Motown label. And how many girl groups were there back then? Lots.

Both The Jackson 5 and The Temptations have had television mini-series done about them, and at times put Gordy in a bad light. I have not read Gordy's book, but when everyone tells the story differently, I have to put the truth in the middle. I find good and bad in everybody.

I look at Dreamgirls as entertainment. And as a play and movie, drama and conflict are heightened and put in the spotlight for the audience. Even more so when you add singing a song as the climax of a scene.

I saw Diana Ross on Good Morning America last week (she gave a really flawed performance). Diane or Robin asked about Dreamgirls and at first she praised it and then admitted she had not seen it. I don't remember if she said the same line as she said on David Letterman.

But I do think the movie going public is pulling something else out of this film. One is the performances they see. Jennifer Hudson and Eddie Murphy are getting more attention than the film as a whole. And the snub by the Oscars seems to be the bigger story.

Inspired by real life, but not the real story.

[discokicks]

I would imagine Smokey's comment must be based on his overall long-standing disdain for Mary Wilson's original book, the successful musical that came from it and now the movie. Wilson's book along with all other tell-all stories are going to satisfy some people and enrage others. Smokey Robinson must be one of those that was horrified at her recap of life as a Supreme and working for Motown....and still holds that grudge. Isn't it interesting how differently we view life situations.

[remicks]

*****

Smokey Robinson 's autobiography is rather thin.... you'd have to Dreamgirl it up to make it a good movie ....
But he was with Motown from before the very beginning and stayed there all the way through . He has a strong allegiance and although even he probably didn't get all he shouldda out of the Motown machine financially ... apparently it was good enough .... & better than most ......

*****