As marketed, Beyonce`’s ‘Life Is But a Dream’ documentary which premiered on HBO, was indeed in “her own words”. There was a whole lot of editing so I think there is a lot more that could have been seen that we didn’t see but it is what it is. It simply presented what she wanted, had time to retake and is not a reality show version. And every now and again there were some live stage performances of her songs – and to the surprise of many, she dropped a couple of casual cuss words. There were also quite a bit of moments in there from her childhood. She also allowed herself to cry a few times.
Let’s establish something early on – I adored Beyonce` as a teen. I had every Destiny’s Child album there was prior to them going solo and I was a fan – not on level with those who go to the church of Beyonce` but I was. What happened? My music tastes changed as I grew up. I’m allowed to do that. Because of my blunt remarks on my social media pages, I have been called a hater by superfans, a truthspeaker by those who consider her overrated and the bottom line is… well, I explained that part. Now to the review!
First, it was nice to see Beyonce` speak naturally instead of cautiously like she does in other interviews or as Wendy Williams put it like a 5th grader. In the past, she pulled off this doesn’t speak well character because she obviously didn’t want to say too much. However, with her family and friends operating the camera she is so much more relaxed.
Respect where it is due, the woman is a perfectionist. What is wrong with that? Nothing. She is who she is and ought to be respected for the hard work she put into her craft on so many levels. She always has a computer nearby, she always aims to look perfect and present perfection. And those who don’t follow her philosophy or get in the way will find themselves off the team.
Yes, I am convinced the woman lip syncs most of the time, but so what. She’s singing to something she recorded herself (although the anthem I think still could have been done live, simply because it was not a concert and the occasion it was). But I challenge all of you who have a problem with it to do the amount of dancing, costume changing and gyrating IN HEELS for 20 minutes much less 2 hours and see if you won’t require a lip sync and backing track. If you want to hear her, buy the album, if you want to see the show, watch from your row!
Those who claim I am a hater, whatever. You all have your view and I have mine. I am not going to talk about her weaker areas because she has more strengths than the average person. After watching to doc though, I will stand my ground and say, I still feel her acting is weak for this reason – she should do theater instead of film simply because she feeds off of the energy of the audience so I will see if she considers doing that one day.
Back to the documentary, yes, she showed her belly (though some have already told me it looks fake and that there was no dark line going down the belly so they couldn’t prove it was her belly) and Blue Ivy made two or three appearances. The shot where she shows a second trimester tummy, I was told looked fake. Also, she did a cinematic style scene where she was seemingly nude, declaring she had three weeks to go. And yes, there was a shot of her in hospital, that did not show her tummy or her daughter, not even the umbilical cord or placenta, but did show her in a hospital gown with a headnet on, just like most of us who had hospital births. My opinion on that – I am not getting into it with children. Leave the woman and her child – adopted, birthed, surrogated, it’s her child. There is a cute part in there when she finds out she is pregnant. For someone who feels she is not a good actress, the part where she reveals to feel the baby kick for the first time is something I as a mom could relate to - you feel the kick, no one else is present but its definately not indegestion. That was the most sincere moment of the documentary for me.
And as for if her and Jay-Z are in a real marriage, when you can figure out why your spouse side of the bed empty tonight, then you have a right to be up in what they have or don’t. Better yet, watch it because some of you men do need to step back and let your woman shine in her gift and have you support her for a change. Watch for her toast to him on his birthday.
Finally, my favorite appearances were by Tina Knowles and Solange`s adorable son Juelz, who steals all the scenes he is in. I have to commend Tina for being the kind of mom she is. It was so amazing to see her there hiding Beyonce`s growing belly under a costume, showing up on set and travelling to support her child instead of sitting up retiring. It’s nice to see that they still have a great relationship instead of fighting over money and all kinds of Hollywood drama.
I still have different tastes in music but respect those who worked nonstop to get what they have and yet see the need to still continue to strive. Mrs. Carter, continue to live your life regardless of fans and haters.
So is it worth watching. Yes, I think fans will enjoy it and consider it gospel. Those who find her overrated I think ought to watch as well simply because they ought to see that it takes a little more than makeup, a blonde weave, a sparkling suit and stilettos to turn Beyonce` into who she presents herself to be.
Comments