WHAT'S LOVE GOT TO DO WITH IT? (18)
D: Brian Gibson
Buena Vista/Touchstone (Doug Chapin & Barry
Krost)
US 1993
118 mins
Biopic/Drama/Musical
W: Kate Lanier [based on the book "I, Tina" by Tina Turner
& Kurt Loder]
DP: Jamie Anderson
Ed: Stuart Pappé
Mus: Stanley Clarke
Angela Bassett (Tina Turner), Laurence
Fishburne (Ike Turner), Jenifer Lewis (Zelma Bullock), Phyllis Yvonne Stickney (Alline Bullock), Rae'ven Kelly (Young Anna Mae)
A biopic of Tina Turner which focuses on her turbulent and
violent relationship with ex-husband Ike Turner.
Following Tina's life from her teenage years as a shy,
country singer, young Anna Mae Bullock joins her mother in the big city where she's noticed by Ike Turner and his Kings of Rhythm band at a nightclub singing contest. Ike, reshapes his band
around her and they soon marry, earning fortunes off the success of songs like "River Deep, Mountain High" but their domestic life descends into chaos following Ike's addiction to
drugs.
The performances of the two leading stars are absolutely
excellent, especially Angela Bassett, who glides into the shoes of one of the 20th century's most famous soul singers. Both stars earned Oscar nominations for their work, but unfortunately
lost out in a hugely competitive year for acting achievements.
7/10