DREAMGIRLS - A Parody?

Everyone knows The Supremes were the inspiration for the show but at least the Original Broadway production kept some originality by making The Dreamettes from Chicago and not overplaying the similarities.

This new movie is a completely different animal. The Dreams are now from Detroit and if you go over to the movie's websites you will be able to view different LP that were directly lifted from original Supremes record albums. Initially I thought Dreamworks and Paramount borrowed design elements for just two LPs in the movie but it seems that they have blatantly used about a half dozen original Supremes albums for the movie. They didn't even have the decency to change album titles or tracklisting. How.."original". This is coming off as some sort of bad parody. The Supremes really existed and it seems a slap in the face to their legacy.

That Universal/Motown actually gave permission for this is disturbing. Maybe I'm making a mountain out of a mole hill but I just feel they shouldn't have so blatantly done this.

I think they crossed the line doing it this way. It's too blatant...If Ross had issues with DREAMGIRLS the show she's definitely going to have issues with the film version when she gets a load of all her LP covers redone with Beyonce's face.

If you click on "Meet the Dreams" and then, under "Players," click Deena Jones and hit "continue" on her screen, you will reach a screen that has the albums in the background. You can download each album cover as a wallpaper.

As for the similarities, there are some rumors that Diana Ross has, through her relationships with some of the movie principals, reconciled with the concept of Dreamgirls. It is possible that she has come to terms with it and, therefore, the more closer analogs to her life are being done with some form of consent.

One other thought. Whoever holds the album rights to the Supremes -- almost definitely not Diana Ross -- may have been perfectly happy to license the direct use of the Supremes covers. That will only help in marketing the Supremes albums after the movie.

Updated On: 10/24/06 at 10:42 AM

I see this more as paying tribute to both the Supremes and the era in which they lived and thrived.

There is no doubt when looking at these images that this is DEENA and the DREAMS. It says so very clearly. And if you're worried about audiences thinking this is the "real Diana Ross Story," I wouldn't get upset. They might ask, "well why don't they call her Diana Ross?"

The answer is simple. She is NOT Diana Ross. She is Deena Jones.

The fact that they have emulated the Supremes and their story is nothing new to Dreamgirls. And everyone connected with it will tell you... this is fiction.

I'm really hoping that Diana, Mary Wilson and Cindy Birdsong will take advantage of this. There will doubtlessly be a renewed interest in them and their careers when the film opens. Hell, Mary Wilson even went so far as to title her autobiography "Dream Girl."

They all know exactly what they're doing.

But if Diana chooses to turn her back on this fictional story "inspired" by her own, she's really missing a golden opportunity. She should capitalize on it, taking it exactly for what it is. "No, it's not my life story, but while you're asking me, why not buy my greatest hits CD... or look at this stunning new coffee table picture book on the life and times of the Supremes?" (Note to publishers: Why the hell isn't there one? And now's the time!)

That's how it should be dealt with. Take advantage of the moment!

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These are not photoshopped 'fan art'. These are legitimate album/LP props from the actual Dreamworks/Paramount Pictures film. All the photos of Beyonce' and the girls were taken for these album recreations -- they are not photoshopped and superimposed over The Supremes original photos. You can clearly see that they are wearing 'inspired' costumes which are completely different from the original ones used by The Supremes.

These albums/LPs recreations are seen/flashed in a career montage midway in the film.

Hope this helped clear-up some confusion.

Except took her man and stood by while Effie was pushed out of the group. :)

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I agree that Deena's not a villian, and I agree that Effie was exhibiting a-hole behavior, but I don't think Deena's hands were completely clean in the situation.

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Heh. Well, that's good. Did you leave the theatre thinking that about Effie?

And just so we're clear, I love the character of Deena. If I was a black woman, I'd want to play her over Effie.

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Well, I think the producers of the film probably want you think that this is a thinly guised portrait of the Supremes. And in a lot of ways thats what the film script is. I personally see nothing wrong with it.

I have to agree, the Dreamboys are tough characters to act, imo.

I only meant "I am Deena" in the sense that I make the "Deena glares at Effie" face ALL the time.

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Excuse me...I am Deena!