Review of What Happened, Miss Simone? (2015) by Matthew S — 06 Jul 2015

Just the idea/concept of creating a documentary about the life of Simone seems such an arduous task that I was not expecting to learn anything new. I was wrong.

As someone who has been listening to Nina Simone for half of my life, I can't think of another musical artist who managed to bring forth such an original, distinctive, powerful, subversive, uncompromising, alarming, complex and profoundly beautiful performance. Not only was she an amazing musician -- she pushed the boundary of singing to a level of "performance art" And this art was uncompromisingly grounded in harsh reality. She may not have had the most powerful or "pretty'' voice -- but she could invoke sunshine, storms, rage, love that often verged on "terrifying" There will only ever be one.

Her personal life was something I never knew much about beyond the basics. Most of what I knew was confused information. Liz Garbus may not apply a unique style for this documentary, but she more than delivers as clear of a picture of Nina Simone. From the startling opening to the very end, my eyes and ears could not move away.

It is also important to note that Garbus does not try to "frame" Simone as just a fierce Civil Rights Activist -- she presents the truth. Simone was militant and there is no attempt to "soften" this perspective. All too often it seems like Simone's "radicalism" has been "comfortably" sat to side. It is an essential part of this artist's legacy and power that fueled such a turbulent career. There is short clip when she asked many years later about her "current" view of civil rights. Her response comes quickly and without pause. The tragedy is her response in the '90's was true. Now more than ever.

Garbus gives Nina Simone the artistic and political credit she deserves. But no punches are pulled when it comes to the consequences she suffered and also caused -- most sadly, for her daughter. It appears to be an honest but respectful portrait of an amazing woman.

"What Happened, Miss Simone?" is probably the closest we will get to approaching an understanding of the person who became the legendary and complex Artist/Activist who will never be forgotten.