“Angela Bassett and Laurence Fishburne deliver powerful performances in ‘What’s Love Got to Do with It’, a biographical film exploring Tina Turner’s journey.”
“What’s Love Got to Do with It,” the 1993 biopic starring Angela Bassett and Laurence Fishburne, unflinchingly portrays the tumultuous life of Tina Turner. The film, also featuring Jenifer Lewis and Khandi Alexander, delves into Tina’s early years as Anna Mae Bullock, her relocation to St. Louis following her grandmother’s passing, and the pivotal encounter with Ike Turner in a nightclub. This meeting propelled her into the spotlight as a singer in Ike’s band, leading to their marriage and eventual, dramatic divorce.
While biographical films often condense timelines and events, “What’s Love Got to Do with It” effectively captures the essence of Tina Turner’s extraordinary journey. It’s a compelling narrative of a woman’s unwavering determination, her resilience in the face of adversity, and her ultimate triumph over immense suffering. The film underscores her perseverance and her climb to phenomenal success, answering the question “what’s love got to do with it?” with a powerful story of self-discovery and liberation.
Tina Turner’s Story of Struggle and Triumph
The movie pulls no punches in depicting the horrifying reality of Ike and Tina Turner’s marriage. Ike’s controlling nature, which ultimately hindered his own career, coupled with his descent into drug abuse, fueled escalating abuse towards Tina. A particularly jarring scene, lauded for its intensity, unfolds within a limousine en route to a hotel. As Ike’s violence erupts, Tina, who has embraced Buddhism, finally summons the courage to fight back. The scene culminates in a brutal fight, leaving Tina to flee with a mere 36 cents, a testament to her desperate escape from a nightmare.
Stellar Performances: Angela Bassett and Laurence Fishburne
Angela Bassett’s portrayal of Tina Turner is nothing short of searing and electrifying. Physically, she embodies Turner’s sinewy physique, mirroring her iconic stage presence with remarkable precision. Bassett masterfully replicates Turner’s dynamic performances (with Tina Turner’s actual vocals enhancing the soundtrack), while also revealing the star’s underlying vulnerability, fears, and indomitable inner strength. Her performance answers the question of “what’s love got to do with it” by showcasing the strength needed to break free from a destructive relationship.
Equally compelling is Laurence Fishburne’s terrifying depiction of Ike Turner. Fishburne exudes manipulation and simmering anger, even in moments when Ike attempts to appear affable. His portrayal chillingly captures Ike’s explosive temper and uncontrollable violent tendencies. It is a truly brilliant and disturbing performance, showcasing the darker side of “love” and control.
A Must-See Biopic
“What’s Love Got to Do with It” is unequivocally a must-see film. While it doesn’t delve into the later chapters of Tina Turner’s life, it effectively captures the crucial period of her struggle and rise to fame. Despite maintaining popularity in Europe, Turner faced challenges securing a recording contract in the US for a period after some initial setbacks. Ultimately, she reclaimed her place as one of the greatest singing stars of all time. This film serves as a powerful reminder of the valleys she navigated on her path to legendary status, and powerfully answers the question of “what’s love got to do with it” in the context of personal strength and artistic triumph.
