Notorious
As a sleek, well-tuned biopic, Notorious works nicely. It refocuses the common narratives of rapper Notorious B.I.G.’s life and tells a story about the boy behind the man, reaching inside B.I.G.’s legacy to tell a more difficult, more poignant tale. Directed by George Tillman Jr., Notorious succeeds in large part because it is driven by the music and the mood of the 1980s and 1990s.
Biopics can be tricky even in the most competent hands. There is often a tendency to romanticize the subject and the performers are often put in a position of emulation rather than dedication. Here, however, Notorious achieves a nice balance, exposing the flaws of Biggie Smalls without demonizing him and exploring the heights of his career without glossing over the shadows below.
Jamal Woolard has his work cut out for him playing Big Poppa. Woolard is a rapper too, working under the name “Gravy.” Interestingly, Gravy can be heard on Tupac’s Pac’s Life record. Playing B.I.G. isn’t an easy task, but Woolard seamlessly integrates himself into the persona of the larger-than-life presence. He looks an awful lot like Biggie as well, so that helps add some certain realism to the performance.
Despite the fact that Woolard knew how to rap already, he took voice lessons for six months to nail down that signature Biggie sound. It pays off and the rhymes are incredible. Woolard’s portrayal is compelling in that it references multiple sides of B.I.G. We are shown his complexities and his difficulties with relationships, but we are also shown his dedication to his mother (Angela Bassett) and his need to become a man.
The rest of the cast is terrific as Tillman Jr. showcases some pretty outstanding talent. Derek Luke is Sean Combs, Marc John Jefferies is Lil’ Cease, Anthony Mackie is Tupac Shakur, Antonique Smith is Faith Evans, and Naturi Naughton is Lil’ Kim. Smith is of special note, as she’s a dead ringer for Faith and manages to bring dignity and class to the role. Naughton is spunky and spicy, just like Lil’ Kim.
Bassett deserves attention as Voletta Wallace, as she avoids the selfish mother figure and gives B.I.G.’s fountain of inspiration a backbone. She portrays Voletta’s “tough love” approach with stoutness, efficiently exhibiting why she’s one of the best actresses in the world when it comes to stern resolution. Also certainly of note is Biggie’s son, Christopher Wallace Jr. He plays a young version of his father in a courageous, energetic performance.
Tillman Jr.’s picture was certainly no easy task. Providing an acceptable and entertaining film about the life of one of music’s most compelling figures is never a walk in the park, but Notorious manages to pull it off by keeping focused and maintaining an eye on its roots. Tillman Jr. never overdoes it, laying off of the camera tricks and special effects shots to maintain the film’s tidiness and concision.
Notorious operates with Voletta Wallace’s blessing. It doesn’t get bogged down with the West Coast vs. East Coast conflict and sticks to the emotional responses in regards to Tupac’s and B.I.G.’s death. The rivalry and friendship between the two icons is explored as it occurred and sensationalistic conspiracy theories are left on the sidelines. As such, Notorious is tasteful and distinguished without being ignorant with respect to the flaws and problems that led to the early demise not one but two great artists.
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