Film review: The United States vs Billie Holiday

Andra Day stars as Billie Holiday, that's the headline, there's no getting away from it. Day is on screen in just about every scene of the film's 125 minutes, all other characters, Lester Young (Tyler James Williams) included, are there in supporting roles. On stage scenes in a biopic can look anything but convincing, Day, as a singer-turned-actor, is more than convincing. 

Holiday's well-documented drug use is a recurring theme, the violence she met with isn't overlooked, and, central to The United States vs Billie Holiday is the Feds relentless pursuit of Holiday. Of course the pursuit was motivated and prosecuted by the virulent racists in the corridors of power. 

The 'look' of Lee Daniels' film is seemingly at odds with its subject matter. Andrew Dunn's sumptuous cinematography doesn't sit comfortably with what we see Holiday enduring from one scene to the next. It certainly has an effect. 

Black and white stills are used sparingly, likewise on stage performance. At the core of The United States vs Billie Holiday is Holiday's relationship with Fed Jimmy Fletcher (Trevante Rhodes). From a jazz fan's point of view Kris Bowers' score is a bonus (All of Me the recurring theme, given a closing orchestral strings treatment), Daniel's film isn't without fault, that said, don't be surprised if Andra Day takes home an Oscar.

Russell