Memphis
Memphis is set in the places where rock and roll was born in the 1950s: the seedy nightclubs, radio stations and recording studios of the musically-rich Tennessee city. With an original score, it tells the fictional story of DJ Huey Calhoun, a good ole' local boy with a passion for R&B music and Felicia Farrell, an up-and-coming black singer that he meets one fateful night on Beale Street. Despite the objections of their loved ones (Huey's close-minded mama and Felicia's cautious brother, a club owner), they embark on a dangerous affair. As their careers rise, the relationship is challenged by personal ambition and the pressures of an outside world unable to accept their love. Originally shown in select theatres, then broadcast as an episode of the PBS series "Great Performances" (season 39, episode 11).
Insights
Plot Summary
A nurse working in a corrupt Iraqi facility faces immense pressure when he must choose between his family's safety and his conscience. He is forced to betray a colleague to protect his pregnant wife from the dangerous militants who control the hospital.
Critical Reception
Memphis received mixed to positive reviews from critics, who praised its tense atmosphere and strong performances, particularly from Waleed Zuaiter. Some critics found the plot to be somewhat predictable, but the film was generally recognized for its effective portrayal of moral dilemmas in a war-torn setting.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its suspenseful and claustrophobic atmosphere.
- The lead performance by Waleed Zuaiter is a standout.
- Some found the narrative familiar but effective in its tension.
Google audience: Audience reviews generally appreciated the film's gripping narrative and the moral quandaries presented, with many highlighting the strong acting as a key positive element.
Awards & Accolades
Nominated for the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival (2011).
Fun Fact
The film was shot on location in Jordan, doubling for Iraq, due to security concerns.
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