In Appreciation of Eddie Murphy in 'Dolemite'
Friday, December 20, 2019 at 5:24PM 
“Make That Shit Swing, Put Your Weight On It”
Eddie Murphy as Rudy Ray Moore says that to his musical accompanist the first time he takes the stage as Dolemite. He wanted more oomph, more swagger, just more to complement his stage appearance. And that’s also what Murphy does in his riotously funny and mesmerising performance in Dolemite is My Name.
He’s fully committed to the character. A comedian playing a comedian so of course he’s funny. He lands every joke from the stand up bits which are of course laugh out funny, to the silly aside jokes. For example watch him as plays off Luenell who plays his aunt in one scene, as he tries to cajole her out of money. It’s a full body performance with many physical jokes, karate chops, singing and dancing. Every minute he’s on screen you can’t take your eyes off him...
Murphy digs deep and also plays the pathos of the character. Rudy is not just funny. He’s ambitious, he’s a showman, he’s persuasive. Murphy shows all these aspects of the character, while maintaining the core of the character as a guy who’s always trying to get the laugh.
He knows that he needs to be generous to the big and talented supporting cast. The rapport between him and Da'Vine Joy Randolph is so palpable their scenes together are electric.You feel the admiration Moore has for his protege genuinely coming from Murphy. In the scene where she thanks him for giving her a chance, he cedes the spotlight to her. He plays well with Titus Burgess, Mike Epps and Craig Robinson as his friends and collaborators. Though he’s the star he’s comfortable with Wesley Snipes stealing many scenes. He knows if they shine, the film that has his name is better and he shines too.
As you prepare to watch Murphy host SNL tomorrow, or to watch the clips on Sunday morning, do yourself a favor and click on Dolemite on Netflix. There’s joy waiting to be had there.
Reader Comments (15)
No way he's getting in... If he couldn't get some love for Dreamgirls, he's not getting in here.
Murphy should really have won the Oscar for Dreamgirls.
The fact that Rudy is so generous to all of his coworkers and fellow artists - and that Murphy is so generous to all of his costars - is my favorite thing about the performance. It feels collaborative in the best way.
I loved the movie. Accolades all around, particularly Da'Vine Joy Randolph as Lady Reed (although the real one wasn't quite that heavy in real life). Can you dig it?
Great movie and a fantastic performance. I hope he gets nominated.
It's a remarkable performance and he'd certainly be in my ballot. Thank you for this piece celebrating one of the great acting feats of the year.
I would much rather see him in there than some of the others.
This movie is enjoyable and Murphy is excellent. The movie would not be nearly as good without that undefinable star charisma. I'm glad you mentioned Da'Vine Joy Randolph, she gets just enough to do that I'm not mad, I hope to see her in 12 movies in the next few years.
I liked the film and particularly murphy’s performance.
Sasha stone is working hard to keep dolemite in contention but I don’t think that will happen
It's not going to happen but it would be so good if it did,Murphy is generous to a fault with co stars always has been.
I thought he was super hot in the Zamunda thing.
this movie is a delight! and eddie murphy is incredible. i hope te academy recognizes him.
A diversified academy means more voters with strong nostalgic bonds to this groundbreaking black performer, so it is 1% possible.
I tink Netflix miscalculated n put all their Oscar contenders out this yr. Dolemite n Two Popes wld hav benefitted fr a less competitive yr.
Pushing all four out this Oscar season is really unfair to the above two, who were woefully overlooked, when Netflix put most o its campaign money n effort on the other two stronger contenders.
Their greed for a Best Pic Oscar came at a huge cost!!
Whether he gets a nom or not, Murphy is absolutely wonderful in Dolemite. Would love to see him get that recognition.