Idlewild Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Two friends, one a mortician/piano player and the other a flashy performer, deal with gangsters and love triangles in a musical fever dream that may or may not actually be set in the 1930s.

🍿 Idlewild: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to Idlewild

Idlewild introduces Percival, a disciplined pianist working in his father’s mortuary by day and playing at a lively speakeasy called ‘The Church’ by night. His best friend, Rooster, is the charismatic and flamboyant lead performer at the same club. Set in the American South during the Prohibition era, the film quickly establishes the contrasting personalities and their shared passion for music.

The Rise of Trumpy

The narrative takes a dark turn with the arrival of Trumpy, a ruthless gangster vying for control of ‘The Church.’ His ambition ignites a series of violent events, including murder and intimidation, jeopardizing the club’s existence and the lives of those connected to it. Rooster finds himself caught between maintaining his livelihood and confronting Trumpy’s growing threat.

Percival’s Dilemma

Amidst the chaos, Percival finds himself torn between his filial duties and his blossoming romance with Angel Davenport, a talented singer who inspires him to embrace his musical dreams. He must decide whether to break free from his father’s expectations and pursue his true calling, even if it means defying tradition and entering a dangerous world.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Percival Jenkins (André 3000): A talented but reserved pianist and mortician who must choose between his artistic ambitions and his father’s expectations.
• Rooster (Big Boi): The charismatic and flamboyant lead performer and club manager who faces challenges from gangsters and marital issues.
• Angel Davenport (Paula Patton): A captivating singer who inspires Percival and pursues her own dreams of stardom.
• Trumpy (Terrence Howard): A ruthless gangster who threatens the stability of the club and the lives of those around him.
• Percy Senior (Ben Vereen): Percival’s stern and traditional father, a mortician who disapproves of his son’s musical aspirations.
• Sunshine Ace (Faizon Love): The owner of Church night club who is soon murdered by Trumpy.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Rooster: “I gotta stop drinkin’ this sh*t.” – Said after arguing with a flask, highlighting his character’s struggle with alcohol.
• Flask: “Well, you know how that old saying goes, ‘What goes around, comes around’!” – When Rooster calls the flask ‘stupid,’ the flask replies with an ironic quote

💰Box Office

• Budget: $15,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $12,571,185
• Worldwide Gross: $12,643,027

💥 Idlewild Reviews

Personal Review

I remember being so hyped for Idlewild because I loved Outkast. The visuals were stunning! The music was interesting. But the plot was… messy. It felt like two movies fighting each other, one a gangster film and one a musical. As a fan I wanted to love it, but I was left feeling confused about where the movie tried to go. I love the aesthetic of the film, but would be hesitant to recommend it to anyone who is looking for a movie with a plot that makes sense.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Outkast and their music.”
  • “Viewers interested in stylized period pieces with a unique blend of genres.”
  • “Audiences who appreciate films featuring strong musical performances and dance choreography.”
  • “Those who enjoy crime dramas with a touch of romance.”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence and depictions of murder.”
  • “Sexual content including implied sex acts and nudity.”
  • “Strong language and suggestive themes.”
  • “Depictions of alcohol consumption and bootlegging.”

Professional Reviews

• Rotten Tomatoes: “Idlewild is ambitious and visually arresting, but its blend of musical genres and gangster plot doesn’t always gel. The film attempts to fuse 1930s jazz with modern hip-hop in the prohibition-era American South. Outkast fans will surely enjoy
• IMDB: “Idlewild is a visually stunning and creative musical that dares to be different. The music is a unique blend of jazz, blues, and hip-hop, and the performances are strong. However, the plot can be convoluted, and the pacing is uneven.
• Chicago Reader: “Bryan Barber’s first film, starring André 3000 and Big Boi, isn’t exactly a disaster, but it squanders too much of its energy on a confused and uninspired pastiche of familiar period-piece formulas.

Audience Reactions

The innovative blend of music and visuals creates a unique and memorable experience.: Viewers appreciate the film’s boldness and creativity, even if the plot falters.

Outkast fans rave about the soundtrack and the performances of André 3000 and Big Boi.: Fans felt this movie delivered everything it could and more.

Overall Consensus: Idlewild is a visually stylish and musically ambitious film that divides audiences with its unconventional blend of genres and uneven plot. Many appreciate its creativity, while others find it disjointed and confusing. It remains a cult classic for Outkast fans.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Idlewild was initially conceived as a music video, but due to the success of Outkast’s album “Speakerboxxx/The Love Below”, it was expanded into a full-length feature film.”
• “The film’s anachronistic blend of 1930s setting with modern hip-hop music and dance styles was a deliberate creative choice to create a unique and stylized world.”
• “Filming took place primarily at Orton Plantation in North Carolina, utilizing both the interior and exterior for scenes representing the Jenkins Mortuary and the piano room.”

🖥️ How to Watch Idlewild?

As of [current date], you can find Idlewild available for purchase or rental on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check these services for current pricing and availability in your region. Some may also offer a streaming option with a subscription. Consider checking local library systems for DVD availability as well.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Idlewild, you might like these similar films:

• The Cotton Club (1984): Both films explore the vibrant music scene and gangster underworld of the Prohibition era, focusing on the intertwined lives of musicians and criminals.
• Chicago (2002): A musical with crime elements set in the jazz age, featuring stylized dance numbers and a focus on fame, ambition, and corruption.
• Harlem Nights (1989): Features a black cast, crime and comedic elements set in the past.

🛒 Idlewild Related Products

• Idlewild (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack): Featuring Outkast’s signature blend of hip-hop, jazz, and blues, this soundtrack transports you back to the smoky speakeasies of Idlewild.
• Vintage Style Fedora Hat: Embrace the fashion and style of the 1930s with this classic fedora, perfect for channeling your inner Percival or Rooster.
• 1930s Speakeasy Jigsaw Puzzle: Immerse yourself in the world of Idlewild with this intricate jigsaw puzzle featuring a bustling speakeasy scene from the Prohibition era. A great activity for a family.
• Outkast Albums Collection: Own the timeless hits that defined a generation. Perfect for any music lover.

🎧 Soundtrack

Idlewild features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Mighty O” – performed by Outkast
• “Peaches” – performed by Outkast featuring Sleepy Brown & Scar
• “The Rooster” – performed by Outkast
• “Morris Brown” – performed by Outkast featuring Sleepy Brown & Scar
• “The Nightmare” – performed by Cab Calloway & His Orchestra

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Idlewild: Black Eden “The Town That Segregation Built” NHD Documentary

Want to understand the real history that inspired the world of “Idlewild”? This award-winning documentary explores the town of Idlewild, a haven for Black Americans during segregation. I found this super interesting and think you will too!

Hinton Battle – Idlewild

Ever wondered about the unique dance style in “Idlewild”? Hinton Battle breaks down ‘swop,’ the swing and hip-hop fusion he created for the film. It’s a cool glimpse into the creative process behind the movie!

DEEP DISCOG DIVE: OutKast

Are you a huge Outkast fan? This video dives deep into their entire discography, including the “Idlewild” album! It’s a great way to appreciate the music even more after watching the movie.

✨ Rate