Nina
Short description
This drama follows the life of Nina Simone, a classically trained pianist and jazz musician. The story covers her early start with the piano in North Carolina, her rise to fame as a soul singer, and her involvement in political activism against racial segregation. As she balances her art with her personal beliefs and family life, her health and professional reputation suffer. Amidst these struggles, she develops a significant relationship with her manager and assistant, Clifton Henderson.
Directed and written by Cynthia Mort, the film stars Zoe Saldaña as Simone and David Oyelowo as Henderson. The cast also includes Mike Epps, Ella Thomas, Ronald Guttman, and Ella Joyce. Produced in the United States by Ealing Studios and Londinium Films, the movie was made with a budget of 7 million USD.
The film received a mixed to negative reception from viewers and professionals. It holds a rating of 5.4/10 on IMDb based on 3,200 votes and a 5.2/10 on TMDB from 92 votes. Film critics gave the movie a lower score of 3.4/10 based on 41 reviews, indicating that audiences generally viewed the film more favorably than professional critics did.
What's left behind the scenes
- In the film’s finale, Nina Simone begins a romance with her manager, Clifton Henderson, who was gay in real life. And although the filmmakers insisted they were not trying to “embellish” Henderson’s orientation, but were simply unaware, these justifications did not save the film from accusations of homophobia.
- "A prosthetic nose, puffed-up lips, darkened skin – this makeup is offensive," said Simone Kelly, Nina Simone’s daughter, when she learned what the film’s makeup artists had done to make actress Zoe Saldana resemble the outstanding singer. The film’s creators were accused of racism by the heirs.
Auditions in India
Casting calls in USA
Castingi w Polsce
Кастинги в Україні
