This Vanessa Roth documentary does justice to its multi-talented subject in a familiar, if honestly raw portrait.
Mary J. Blige’s My Life may not reach the depths some would hope as traumas are uncovered in an examination of the hip-hop soul queen. Which is dedicated to the late Andre Harrell, the impresario who got her into show business at 19.
This may be a fulsome treatment in a departure from what went into the Grammy-winning recording artist’s breakthrough album in celebration of its 25th anniversary.
Interview clips with Mary J., family and friends including Sean (‘Diddy’) Combs, Taraji P. Henson, and Tyler Perry begins a conversation on the healing power of singing. In ways that reflect much into being a distaff role model, and especially the concept of self-love.
From a violent environment like the ‘Slow Bomb’ Yonkers projects, the toils were difficult to overcome. Considering much abuse in childhood and later with Jodeci band leader K-Ci.
Listening to the influence on her fans invites a personal touch and gratitude even if they wished more of the tracks on the seminal record were played. My Life sets things straight even with many dark edges remaining for someone who’s really excelled on the big and small screen in the last decade or so if you’ve seen fare like Mudbound or Empire.