“Truth is the only safe ground to stand on.” – Elizabeth Cady Stanton
Beyond the Lights was released November 14th 2014. I went on a rare visit to the theater that weekend because I loved the trailer with the Sia song Chandelier where she was out on that balcony. It stopped me in my tracks. So, I decided to go see the film. I was impressed and that doesn’t happen often.
I was really and pleasantly surprised by the film, but mostly the depth of the actress playing the lead, Gugu Mbatha-Raw (from the film Belle).
The fashion was amazing. All her outfits and costume choices were on FIRE. Every dress was a showstopper. And she pulled it off. The hair, the attitude, the choreography, everything.
I thought it was Rihanna when she first appeared as a music superstar on the screen. She blew me away. This actress was amazing in every scene she did. EVERY. SINGLE. SCENE.
This is the best film I have ever scene revolving or about a pop star.
When I left that theater, all I knew was a star was born. I can’t remember the last time I felt like that. The film was really touching and really moved me. She showed such a range of emotions. An excellent actress indeed.
According to Rotten Tomatoes, this is the movie info, Beyond the Lights is the story of Noni, the music world’s latest superstar. But not all is what it seems, and the pressures of fame have Noni on the edge – until she meets Kaz Nicol, a young cop and aspiring politician who’s been assigned to her detail. Drawn to each other, Noni and Kaz fall fast and hard, despite the protests of those around them who urge them to put their career ambitions ahead of their romance. But it is ultimately Kaz’s love that gives Noni the courage to find her own voice and break free to become the artist she was meant to be. (c) Relativity
Now, that you have the background, let’s talk about what happens beyond the lights.
EVERYONE WANTS TO COME IN 1ST
Do you want to be a runner up, or do you want to be a winner? – Noni’s mother and mom-ager, played by Minnie Driver
As a young girl, Noni has a voice like no other. Her mother notices her talent and signs her up for a talent show singing none other than the famous Nina Simone’s Blackbird.
However, the ending of this scene was very sad. It would set up the balance of power between mother and daughter that would play out for the rest of the film.
What you learn is that as important it is to win, you also must feel good about what you are doing and know why you are doing it. Passion is great, but not if you are not able to use it.
MASTERPIECE DOESN’T ALWAYS MEAN SUCCESS
She goes from that sweet little girl into an adult in the very next scene. From an innocent little kitten and sweet baby angel into a video vixen. She perfected the pop-star persona. Down to the constant changing of her very detailed nail designs. See for yourself.
This scene is immediately followed up by her first music award win.
Noni does not seem very happy.
I always thought lots of people wanted this success. Which her mother states several times throughout the film.
It is not enough just to have success, if it is not done the right way.
ALL THAT GLITTERS ISN’T GOLD
Noni can no longer take the fake life she has set herself up in. She doesn’t want to do this anymore.
What I learned here is that if you no longer hold your head up high and can look yourself in the mirror, then what’s the point. You have to treat yourself with the utmost self-respect.
All around her there was a lack of respect for her as a woman and an artist. You have to tell people how you want to be treated. People can only do what you let them. Speak up and talk to a doctor or adult and let them know how you feel. Don’t let anyone silence you into submission.
NEED TO FREE UP THE SCHEDULE
Sometimes you just have to be free. You can’t work yourself non-stop and to the bone.
There were times when there was just no light in Noni’s eyes. It was sad to see her so hurt. This woman has a record contract and is about to release an album. She is staying in the best hotels and holding press conferences. The only problem was that no one wanted to hear what she had to say.
WHAT DO YOU REALLY WANT?
Progress rarely comes from those who are content and secure. It comes from those who are unsettled by what they’ve seen. – Kaz, played by Nate Parker
THE PRESSURE IS REAL WHEN YOU ARE SELLING A FANTASY
MILES HIGH AND YET STILL SO FAR FROM HAPPINESS
IT’S LONELY AT THE TOP
Best music scene in the film, the performance of Private Property by Noni.
The music was so good in the film that it felt like she could have been an artist. I liked the soundtrack, but you wanted more Noni.
The songs were great. Very pop feel. That’s because they were written by none other than The Dream (he wrote Beyonce’s Single Ladies and Rihanna’s Umbrella).
MONEY IS HOLLOW AND EMPTY
At one point, she tells him this is my new crib. A swanky place in Los Angeles. It looked every bit of a million dollar bachelorette pad. Yet, she was miserable.
Money is just a tool. It is not good or bad. Your actions give it meaning and power. I have learned to choose wisely if I am going to spend my dime. I watch my coins carefully and spend wisely.
See the film for yourself
It has been 4 years, and no matter how many times I see this film it makes me feel something bigger is going on behind all those lights. If even a fraction of this film is what some artists have gone threw, I know some changes need to be made in how we treat people and how we listen to them.