What Happened, Miss Simone? Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A piano prodigy tries singing jazz, gets angry about civil rights, and then…vanishes, leaving everyone wondering what exactly *did* happen.

🍿 What Happened, Miss Simone?: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Early Life and Classical Aspirations

The documentary explores Nina Simone’s early life as Eunice Waymon, a child prodigy in North Carolina during the Jim Crow era. Her talent for classical piano was evident from a young age, and she aspired to be the first black female classical pianist to perform at Carnegie Hall. This section highlights the sacrifices and dedication required to pursue this dream in a racially segregated society.

Transition to Jazz and Rise to Fame

Circumstances led Simone to perform in Atlantic City bars, where she adopted the stage name Nina Simone. This marked a shift from classical music to jazz and blues. The film showcases her unique blend of musical styles and her growing popularity as a singer and pianist. Early recordings and performances are featured, revealing her innovative sound and captivating stage presence.

Civil Rights Activism and ‘Mississippi Goddam’

The documentary delves into Simone’s involvement in the Civil Rights Movement. Fueled by the injustices she witnessed, she became a vocal activist and infused her music with powerful messages. This section examines the creation and impact of her protest song ‘Mississippi Goddam,’ which addressed racial inequality and violence in America, showcasing both the support and backlash she received.

Personal Struggles and Exile

The film explores Simone’s personal struggles, including her tumultuous marriage, mental health challenges, and experiences with racism and sexism. It details her decision to leave the United States and live in Liberia, highlighting the toll that fame, activism, and personal hardships took on her life. This period marks a significant turning point in her career and personal well-being.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Nina Simone (Nina Simone): A supremely talented but troubled singer, pianist, and civil rights activist struggling with mental illness and the injustices of her time.
• Lisa Simone Kelly (Lisa Simone Kelly): Nina Simone’s daughter, providing intimate and honest perspectives on her mother’s life and complexities.
• Andrew Stroud (Andrew Stroud): Nina Simone’s ex-husband and former manager, offering insights into her career and personal struggles, while also acknowledging his abusive behavior.
• Al Schackman (Al Schackman): Nina Simone’s guitarist, who collaborated with her musically and witnessed her journey as an artist.
• Attallah Shabazz (Attallah Shabazz): Malcolm X’s daughter, reflecting on Nina Simone’s authenticity and the societal pressures she faced as a Black artist.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Nina Simone: “How can you be an artist and not reflect the times?” – This quote encapsulates Simone’s belief that artists have a responsibility to address social and political issues in their work.
• Nina Simone: “I think the hardest thing is to live in a world that wasn’t made for you.” – Expresses the challenges and alienation Simone felt as a Black woman in a society structured against her.
• Attallah Shabazz: “How does royalty stomp around in the mud and still walk with grace? Most people are afraid to be as honest as she lived.” – Malcolm X’s daughter reflecting on Nina Simone’s ability to maintain dignity despite the hardships she faced.

💰Box Office

• Budget: N/A
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 What Happened, Miss Simone? Reviews

Personal Review

I was absolutely floored by this documentary. Nina Simone was such a complex, brilliant, and deeply troubled figure. The film doesn’t shy away from her flaws, but it also celebrates her incredible talent and her fierce commitment to the civil rights movement. Watching her perform ‘Mississippi Goddam’ gave me chills – it’s a song that’s just as relevant today as it was back then. This is a must-see for anyone interested in music, history, or the human spirit.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Nina Simone”
  • “Viewers interested in civil rights history”
  • “Documentary enthusiasts”
  • “Music lovers”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Discussions of racism and racial violence”
  • “Depictions of domestic abuse”
  • “Mature themes”

Professional Reviews

• The Wrap: “Garbus provides a biography that is both a deep-dig and somewhat gentle look at this fascinating and troubled woman. We see a woman with remarkable talent and ferocious drive who just never is satisfied with society or her place in it despite the positive impact she had as a musician and activist.
• Deadline Film + TV: “The documentary showcases Simone’s genius, her struggles with mental health, and her unwavering commitment to civil rights. It’s a powerful and moving portrait of an icon whose music continues to resonate today.

Audience Reactions

Viewers were deeply moved by Simone’s passion and pain, both in her music and her life.: Most people agreed that the film offered a balanced and honest portrayal of a complex woman, not shying away from her flaws while still celebrating her genius.

Overall Consensus: A compelling and unflinching look at the life and legacy of Nina Simone, celebrating her genius while acknowledging her struggles with mental illness and the complexities of her personality.

Awards

1. Primetime Emmy Award (Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special)- 2016

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The documentary includes never-before-heard recordings of Nina Simone speaking about her life, providing a deeply personal narrative.”
• “Lisa Simone Kelly, Nina Simone’s daughter, was actively involved in the making of the documentary, offering a unique perspective on her mother’s life and career.”
• “Director Liz Garbus gained access to Simone’s diaries and letters, which offered intimate details about her thoughts, struggles, and motivations.”

🖥️ How to Watch What Happened, Miss Simone??

What Happened, Miss Simone? is currently available for streaming on Netflix. While it may not be available for direct purchase, consider checking other platforms like Prime Video or Apple TV for rental or purchase options. You can also check your local library for DVD availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed What Happened, Miss Simone?, you might like these similar films:

• Amy (2015): Another documentary exploring the life and tragic downfall of a gifted singer due to personal demons and the pressures of fame.
• What’s Going On (2019): A documentary about Marvin Gaye’s iconic album, delving into the social and political context that inspired it, similar to Simone’s activism.
• Amazing Grace (2018): A documentary capturing Aretha Franklin’s performance at a gospel concert, showcasing a powerful Black female vocalist expressing herself through music.
• Summer of Soul (…Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised) (2021): A documentary about the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival, which included Nina Simone. The film highlights the importance of Black music and culture during a time of social upheaval.

🛒 What Happened, Miss Simone? Related Products

• Nina Simone: The Colpix Years: A collection of Nina Simone’s early recordings, showcasing her unique blend of jazz, blues, and soul. Perfect for exploring the foundations of her iconic sound.
• I Put a Spell on You: The Autobiography of Nina Simone: A candid and insightful autobiography, offering a personal perspective on her life, music, and activism. A must-read for understanding the woman behind the legend.
• Nina Simone: A Retrospective: A beautiful, high-quality photo book with rare images and insightful essays, documenting her life and career. Perfect for collectors and fans alike.
• Nina Simone: The Montreux Years: Featuring restored live performances from Montreux Jazz Festival with high-quality audio. Showcases her electric stage presence in the later period of her life.

🎧 Soundtrack

What Happened, Miss Simone? features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “I Loves You, Porgy” – performed by Nina Simone
• “Mississippi Goddam” – performed by Nina Simone
• “I Put a Spell on You” – performed by Nina Simone
• “My Baby Just Cares for Me” – performed by Nina Simone
• “Ain’t Got No, I Got Life” – performed by Nina Simone

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Nina Simone – her daughter was TERRIFIED of her, I blame the industry! + Zoe Saldana in blackface!

Ever wonder about the real Nina Simone behind the music? This video dives into some tough parts of her life, including her relationship with her daughter. Plus, it tackles the Zoe Saldana casting controversy – definitely worth a watch to understand the full story!

✨ Rate