The Dreams of Sarah Breedlove

Authors: Josh P.
Location: Chicago, IL

"The Dreams of Sarah Breedlove”

Directed by Steven Spielberg
Screenplay by Paul Haggis and Eric Roth
Based on the play by Regina Taylor
Music by John Williams

Principal Cast:

S. Epatha Merkerson (Sarah Breedlove/Madame C.J. Walker)
Michael Clarke Duncan (C.J. Walker- Husband)
Halle Berry (Lelia- Madame’s daugter)
Loretta Devine (Nola- Madame’s friend)
Jamie Foxx (Freeman B. Ransom- Madame’s lawyer)
Raven Symoné (Mae- Madame’s granddaughter)

Tagline: "With every fortune, there lie greater misfortunes"

Synopsis: Based on the raved-reviewed play of the same name, the story centers on the life of Sarah Breedlove, a.k.a. Madame C.J. Walker (Merkerson), a freed black woman who slowly built a gigantic empire in hair fashion and became the first black millionaire in the country. In her early life, she tries her best just to work hard and support her daughter (Berry). Lelia is a wild woman who does not know of the discipline that her mother gives her and does start to descend into an obstructed path full of liquor and racism. C.J. Walker (Duncan) quickly turns their marriage into one of deceit and betrayal as he starts to question the importance in their relationship. Nola (Devine) has been Madame’s friend since childhood but once she becomes part owner of one of the stores in Madame’s possession, their friendship turns bitter sweet. Ransom (Foxx) always tries to look out for Madame’s best interest and her granddaughter, Mae (Symoné), can only watch from the sidelines as her family seems to self-destruct. Madame C.J. Walker had a lot to accomplish and a lot to resolve.

What the press would say:

Spielberg provides another fantastic period masterpiece to his collection. His grand sense as director fills every frame with much sophistication as we are reminded once again why Spielberg is one of the most prestigious directors of our time. Oscar-winning writers Paul Haggis and Eric Roth churn out an excellent screenplay filled with all the intensity and emotion of the original stage play. The ensemble, headed by S. Epatha Merkerson, is amazing. Merkerson has all the talents here to play the Madame and the supporting players match her just as much. The campaign consideration:

Best Picture
Best Director: Steven Spielberg
Best Actress: S. Epatha Merkerson
Best Supporting Actor: Michael Clarke Duncan
Best Supporting Actress: Halle Berry
Best Supporting Actress: Loretta Devine
Best Adapted Screenplay: Paul Haggis and Eric Roth
Best Art Direction
Best Costume Design
Best Cinematography
Best Film Editing
Best Original Score
Best Sound