Tina (2021) Movie Review
Tina Turner is a LEGEND. A legend, people. So when I saw there was going to be a new documentary about her I was eager to see it! Daniel Lindsay and T.J. Martin helm this emotional documentary. They begin by splitting the movie (and by extension, Tina’s life) into five acts. The first few acts explore her life from childhood into early adulthood. It outlines how she got her start in music and a bit of background about her family – namely her mom and dad. Then things really kick off when they get to the Ike and Tina era. Lindsay and Martin hit that period of her life the hardest, highlighting the music but focusing more so on Ike and Tina’s relationship.
The last two acts follow Tina as she transitions to a solo act and has success on her own. Lindsay and Martin focus heavily on Ike’s role in Tina’s life. Of course, it’s a very well publicized fact that Ike was horrible to Tina. They hone in on Ike being abusive and out of control. In fact, most of the documentary is tinged with talk about Ike. Obviously this is a very important part of Tina’s life and her story as an artist. She was speaking out about the #MeToo movement decades before it even existed. However, Tina’s life and legacy are so much more than the abusive behavior she endured at the hands of Ike. I understand covering that era of her life and telling that part of her story. It’s an important one that needs to be seen and heard. But Lindsay and Martin bring it up ad nauseum and neglect other parts of Tina’s life that would be of more interest to long time fans.
Tina has so many hit songs and an instantly recognizable raspy voice. The movie is riddled with songs and music, but especially towards the end of the documentary I wish there had been more talk about the music rather than rehashing her complicated relationship with Ike and the media’s coverage of it. There wasn’t even any mention of her recording the title track to the James Bond film Goldeneye, which was arguably a mega moment for her and a hit song to boot. That being said, they do touch on parts of her life that aren’t as well known including her relationship with now husband Erwin Bach. There are some sweet moments involving Bach and we get to see Tina as she deserves to be: happy.
In the earlier acts Lindsay and Martin include some really wonderful archival footage of Tina in her home with Ike and their children as well as some of her early performances. Fans will appreciate these videos and revel in getting to see the young Tina honing her artistry and performing style. You can see how much she improves as a performer over time and that ascension is truly spectacular. Tina will be a hit for most viewers, especially die hard Tina fans. And it is a documentary worth watching! I just wish the focus would have been a bit more on the music rather than Tina’s husband.
Film or Movie: Movie
You’ll like this movie if:
1. You are a Tina Turner fan
2. You like music documentaries
3. You want to see how a music legend is created
