The United States vs. Billie Holiday Special: Lee Daniels and Cast Interviewed by Oprah Winfrey

The United States vs. Billie Holiday is a 2021 biographical drama film that delves into the life of Billie Holiday, an American jazz singer with a voice as powerful as her spirit. The film, directed by Lee Daniels, offers an unflinching and deeply personal look at the tumultuous life of this American icon. Through a series of exclusive interviews, moderated by Oprah Winfrey, we gain insight into the creative process behind the film, its themes, and the cast's experiences in bringing this powerful true story to life. For Lee Daniels, who has been vocal about his admiration for Holiday's legacy, The United States vs. Billie Holiday is a labor of love. He wanted to humanize a figure that had been mythologized over the years, to strip away the glamour and reveal the complex, sensitive, and troubled soul that lay beneath. "She was a human being," Daniels explains. "She was a woman, she was a daughter, she was a friend, she was all those things that made her more than the legend." Daniels' film is centered around the 1947 trial in which Holiday was accused of possession of narcotics, a charge that would lead to her imprisonment and the eventual revocation of her cabaret card. The event served as a catalyst for the government's targeting of Holiday, which led to her struggles with racism and inequality. The United States vs. Billie Holiday humanizes this pivotal moment in Holiday's life, shedding light on the ways in which the government sought to silence her, and ultimately, take away her voice. The film stars Andra Day as Billie Holiday, delivering a critically-acclaimed performance that captures the essence of the singer's vulnerability, strength, and determination. Day's portrayal is both intimate and expansive, conveying the depth of Holiday's sorrow, pain, and joy. Speaking about the film, Day praises Holiday's unwavering spirit, stating, "She's the ultimate phoenix. She rises from the ashes, time and time again." Trevante Rhodes, who plays Jimmy Fletcher, Holiday's former husband and love interest, adds another layer of complexity to the narrative. Rhodes' portrayal of Fletcher highlights the tumultuous relationship that Holiday shared with the men in her life, often marked by substance abuse and emotional manipulation. In interviews, Rhodes touches on the film's nuanced take on Holiday's relationships, pointing out that they were not simply "abusive" or "tragic," but multifaceted, reflecting the societal norms and expectations that Holiday faced. The screenplay, penned by Suzan-Lori Parks, offers a lyrical and poignant take on Holiday's story, interweaving historical facts with fictionalized scenes that immerse the viewer in Holiday's life. Parks' work has been praised for its richly detailed and poetic rendering of Holiday's experiences, offering a glimpse into the singer's emotional journey as she navigated racism, oppression, and the loss of her voice. Throughout the interviews, Oprah Winfrey poses thoughtful questions, guiding the discussion with empathy and curiosity. She is struck by the intensity of Day's portrayal, praising the actress for her ability to capture Holiday's emotional depth. Winfrey also probes the creative decisions behind the film, pressing Daniels and Parks for insight into their process and inspirations. "We're talking about the life of a Black woman," she notes. "We're talking about the life of an American icon." The United States vs. Billie Holiday is a timely film, released in the midst of conversations around social justice, racism, and censorship. The film's exploration of Holiday's struggles with authority and the government's attempts to silence her resonate deeply, offering a poignant commentary on the ongoing struggles faced by Black Americans. As Daniels notes, "This is not just Billie Holiday's story – this is America's story." As we delve into the interviews, it becomes clear that The United States vs. Billie Holiday is not simply a biographical film, but an ode to the human spirit, with all its complexities and frailties. The film serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of Billie Holiday, whose voice and story continue to captivate audiences. As Day so eloquently puts it, "Her story is still ours, it's still alive." Through this beautiful film, we are reminded of the power of art to transcend time and touch our souls, leaving an indelible mark on our collective consciousness.