Introducing Dorothy Dandridge (1999)

Simply Perfect

Excellent but underrated film

Best movie ever!

Absolutely Fantastic

This film was powerful. Halle Berry did an excellent job and I felt the pain that Dorothy Dandridge endured. I was rooting for Dandridge as she experienced hardships and I felt her determination to succeed as I watched her become the first African-American actress nominated for the Best Actress Academy Award. They did a nice job capturing the time period and showing the strength of Dandridge as she worked hard to break down racial barriers. Brent Spiner also did a great job showing the love and admiration longtime friend and agent Earl Mills had for Dorothy. Brent and Halle's connection felt real. When I first saw the film, I was only a girl, but looking back and noticing that Shonda Rhimes was the writer, I understand why this is still one of my favorite movies.

I think one would easily fall in love with Dorothy Dandridge depiction of drop-dead-gorgeous Halle Berry. Thus, the scenes, especially sentimental shots, make remarkable effects on the audience themselves. Given that, the audience can easily put themselves in several characters' shoes which makes the scenes more sentimental, even heart pounding at times. All characters are defined in a simplistic but sufficiently detailed manner, that would never hinder the enchanting effect of Dorothy Dandridge, accompanied with the music and the images of the era depicted throughout the entire movie. A must see for everyone that likes musical and cinematographic history.

Admittedly, it's probably unfair to call Dorothy Dandridge unknown, as I've just done in the title. She was, after all nominated for an Academy Award and had a fairly long resume of parts, even if the majority of them were small ones. Many probably know her. I, however, aside from this movie, have no knowledge of her whatsoever. I've never seen any of her movies and was not familiar with the name until I came across this bio-pic. The title of this movie would seem to suggest that I'm not alone - she has to be introduced to us, after all. And - what an introduction!Halle Berry was absolutely perfect in this role. To me, she became the character with all the right moves and all the right emotions and presented a fascinating portrait of her subject. I find it hard to believe that so much was introduced in a little under two hours. Dandridge's problematic relationships (especially her relationship with the great director Otto Preminger) were interesting; her troubled upbringing being abused by whoever "Auntie" was supposed to be to the family was sad; her devotion to her mentally retarded daughter; the subtle look at the reality of racism in the era (she dips her toes in a hotel swimming pool, and the pool has to be drained and scrubbed as a result); her growing drug and alcohol dependence; her ultimate tragic death. In some respects she's portrayed as a black Marilyn Monroe, who does pop up from time to time in this movie. You would think that trying to show so much in so little time would lead to a shallow presentation, but it didn't. The movie leaves you wanting more, but not because it hasn't given you a lot.The secondary characters were also interesting: from Dandridge's first husband (Obba Babatunde) - who is captivated by her beauty but can't agree with her on what they want out of life, to her manager Earl Mills (Brent Spiner) - who quietly falls in love with her, to Preminger (Klaus Maria Brandauer) - who also seems to love her, but who finally turns away from her, possibly because she wanted more of a commitment than he wanted to give or perhaps because he felt that creating personal distance between them would help him to further her career.I'm shocked that this movie doesn't have a higher rating here. I think this was absolutely marvellous. 10/10

I recently watched the movie Introducing Dorothy Dandridge with Hally Berry acting the part of Dorothy. The movie touched me deeply & I would like to learn more on her life story & talk with others who are deeply affected by her amazing life & all she endured. This movie will stay with me always. For that I am thankful. She was an amazing women! I am a white female who will never understand the mistreatment, pain, etc. of black people. Thank you Dorothy for your incredible story! Such an inspiration.