Review of What's Love Got to Do with It

I had heard bits and pieces about this film previously, I knew it was about one the most famous popstars in the world, based on the autobiography "I, Tina", so I was looking forward to whatever it had to offer. Based on the true story, Anna Mae Bullock (Golden Globe winning, and Oscar nominated Angela Bassett) was born and raised in Nutbush, Tennessee, she grew up in an unhappy family, with her parents leaving and abandoning her, and taking only her sister with them. Following the death of her grandmother, Anna Mae relocates to St. Louis, she reunites there with her mother Zelma Currie Bullock (Jenifer Lewis) and sister Alline (Phyllis Yvonne Stickney). Charismatic bandleader Ike Turner (Oscar and Golden Globe nominated Laurence Fishburne) performs with his band often at clubs and bars. Anna Mae watches him with awe, along with the many more screaming female fans. He spots her and is attracted, and one night she gets the chance to express her talent for singing when she is brought onstage to join the act. Anna Mae pursues being a professional singer, winning her spot singing onstage with Ike, and he mentors her. Over time an unexpected romance develops between them, and she eventually moves in with Ike. Shortly after they marry, they have two sons, and they begin having musical success. Ike gives Anna Mae the new stage name "Tina", because the name rhymed with the television character Sheena. As Ike & Tina Turner they produce many hits in the charts. As time passes however, the marriage turns sour, when Ike becomes physically violent and dominating towards Tina, she cannot find a way for herself to escape without disturbing her career. Tina rises from local St. Louis talent to an R&B superstar, Ike grows increasingly jealous of the attention given to her. Ike turns to drugs, and his abusive behaviour gets worse. Tina seeks solace from her chaotic lifestyle, a friend introduces her to Buddhism, this helps her gain confidence against her aggressive husband. Tina and Ike have a final fight, leaving her in a bloody state. But she finally musters the courage to defend herself. She finally leaves him after they arrive at a hotel, taking her bag and running across a freeway to another hotel and asks for help. In the divorce proceedings, Tina asks for no money, allowing Ike to keep all royalties, but insists on the right to retain her trademarked stage name. She wins this right and continues singing in clubs to get by, until she gets her break after meeting music producer Roger Davies (James Reyne). Tina realises her dreams of rock stardom. Ike attempts to win her back, reminding her that he is the one who found her and made her a star. But she shuns him and continues solo success and accomplishing her dreams, without Ike. Tina Turner is now recognised as one of the greatest female singers of all time. Also starring Vanessa Bell Calloway as Jackie, Khandi Alexander as Darlene, Rae'ven Larrymore Kelly as Young Anna Mae, Virginia Capers as Choir Mistress, Cora Lee Day as Grandma Georgiana, Sherman Augustus as Reggie and Terrence Riggins as Spider. Bassett gives an applaudable performance as the rising superstar, with the real Tina dubbing her singing voice, but it is Fishburne that deserves all the credit, including singing himself, the real Ike had many faults and was a nasty abusive monster, but he put Tina in the spotlight. It is a very simple rise to fame story, with the turbulent marriage being the main focus, considering it was reality for Tina, it is often hard to watch the violence. What livens it up is the great soundtrack of songs from Ike and Tina's repertoire, including "Proud Mary", "River Deep - Mountain High" and "What's Love Got to Do with It", I was surprised "The Best" was not featured, overall, it is a most watchable biographical drama. Good!