“What Happened, Miss Simone?” is a raw and unflinching documentary that explores the life and career of Nina Simone, a musical prodigy, civil rights activist, and complex individual wrestling with inner demons. The film reveals a portrait of a woman struggling to reconcile her artistic aspirations with her political convictions and personal battles.
A Deep Dive into Nina Simone’s Life
The Netflix documentary, “What Happened, Miss Simone?” released in 2015, offers a brutally honest and intimate portrayal of Eunice Kathleen Waymon, the artist we know as Nina Simone. The film utilizes an extensive archive of previously unreleased footage, including diaries, letters, and concert recordings, to craft a narrative that explores her musical genius, her passionate activism, and the personal turmoil that often plagued her. Rather than simply celebrating her achievements, the documentary confronts the difficult aspects of her life, including her struggles with mental health, her volatile relationships, and the price she paid for speaking out against injustice. Ultimately, the film presents a multifaceted view of a woman who was both incredibly talented and deeply flawed, leaving viewers to grapple with the complexities of her legacy.
Key Themes Explored in the Documentary
“What Happened, Miss Simone?” delves into several crucial themes that shaped Nina Simone’s life and art:
- The Burden of Genius: The documentary highlights the immense pressure Simone faced from a young age to live up to her extraordinary musical talent. Her early ambition was to become the first Black classical pianist, a dream tragically denied due to racial prejudice. This frustration fueled her desire for recognition and control over her artistic output, leading to clashes with record labels and managers.
- Activism and Its Toll: The film emphasizes Simone’s unwavering commitment to the Civil Rights Movement. Her powerful protest songs, like “Mississippi Goddam,” became anthems of the era. However, her outspokenness came at a personal cost, alienating some audiences and impacting her career trajectory. The emotional and physical strain of her activism further contributed to her mental health struggles.
- Mental Health and Personal Struggles: The documentary sheds light on Simone’s battles with undiagnosed bipolar disorder. Her erratic behavior, mood swings, and explosive temper often strained her relationships and contributed to her reputation as a difficult artist. The film attempts to humanize her by providing context for her actions and acknowledging the impact of her mental health on her life.
- The Complexities of Identity: Simone grappled with her identity as a Black woman in a racist society, as a classically trained musician forced into the world of jazz and blues, and as a performer torn between artistic integrity and commercial success. These internal conflicts are explored throughout the film, revealing the complexities of her self-perception and her place in the world.
The Impact of “What Happened, Miss Simone?”
The documentary garnered critical acclaim for its honest and nuanced portrayal of Nina Simone. It won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature. Beyond the accolades, the film played a significant role in:
- Reintroducing Simone to a New Generation: The documentary introduced Simone’s music and story to a wider audience, sparking renewed interest in her work and legacy.
- Raising Awareness about Mental Health: By openly addressing Simone’s struggles with bipolar disorder, the film contributed to a broader conversation about mental health in the Black community and in the entertainment industry.
- Re-evaluating Simone’s Legacy: The film challenged simplistic narratives about Simone, presenting a more complex and human portrait of an artist who was both brilliant and deeply flawed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about Nina Simone and the documentary:
H3 FAQ 1: What primary source material does the documentary utilize?
The documentary relies heavily on Nina Simone’s personal archive, including diaries, letters, and concert recordings. These materials provide intimate insights into her thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Interviews with her daughter, Lisa Simone Kelly, her friends, and colleagues also contribute to the narrative.
H3 FAQ 2: What was Nina Simone’s most controversial song and why?
“Mississippi Goddam” is arguably her most controversial song. Released in 1963, it was a direct response to the assassination of Medgar Evers and the bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama. The song’s explicit lyrics and powerful condemnation of racial injustice led to radio stations refusing to play it.
H3 FAQ 3: How did Nina Simone’s mental health affect her career?
Simone’s undiagnosed bipolar disorder significantly impacted her career. Her erratic behavior, mood swings, and explosive temper often led to conflicts with record labels, managers, and fellow musicians. These difficulties contributed to periods of professional instability and financial hardship.
H3 FAQ 4: What was Nina Simone’s relationship with her daughter, Lisa?
The documentary portrays a complicated and often strained relationship between Nina Simone and her daughter, Lisa. Simone was often absent during Lisa’s childhood due to her touring and activism. Lisa also experienced abuse at the hands of her mother. Despite these challenges, Lisa ultimately became a strong advocate for her mother’s legacy and participated in the documentary.
H3 FAQ 5: What are some of the key differences between the film and other biographies of Nina Simone?
While biographies provide detailed accounts of Simone’s life, the film offers a more intimate and visual experience, drawing directly from her personal archive. The film also delves deeper into her emotional struggles and mental health challenges, providing a more nuanced understanding of her complexities. It does not shy away from the less flattering aspects of her personality.
H3 FAQ 6: Did Nina Simone ever find mainstream commercial success?
While Nina Simone achieved critical acclaim and cultivated a dedicated fanbase, she never achieved mainstream commercial success in the traditional sense. Her music often defied easy categorization, and her outspoken activism alienated some audiences. However, her songs continue to be popular and influential decades after their release.
H3 FAQ 7: How did Nina Simone’s classical training influence her music?
Her classical training provided her with a strong foundation in music theory and technique, which she incorporated into her jazz, blues, and gospel performances. Her piano playing was characterized by its virtuosity and emotional depth. This training also influenced her arrangements and her ability to blend different musical genres.
H3 FAQ 8: What role did the Civil Rights Movement play in Nina Simone’s life?
The Civil Rights Movement was a defining force in Nina Simone’s life and career. She became deeply involved in the movement, using her music as a weapon against racial injustice. Her protest songs became anthems of the era, and she performed at numerous rallies and events.
H3 FAQ 9: Where can I watch “What Happened, Miss Simone?”
“What Happened, Miss Simone?” is currently available to stream on Netflix.
H3 FAQ 10: Who directed “What Happened, Miss Simone?”
The documentary was directed by Liz Garbus, an acclaimed filmmaker known for her work on social justice issues.
H3 FAQ 11: What awards did “What Happened, Miss Simone?” win?
The documentary won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.
H3 FAQ 12: What is the lasting legacy of Nina Simone?
Nina Simone’s lasting legacy lies in her powerful music, her unwavering commitment to social justice, and her unflinching honesty about the complexities of the human experience. She remains an inspiration to artists and activists around the world, and her music continues to resonate with audiences of all backgrounds. Her impact transcends genre, cementing her status as an icon.