The provocative question, “What’s Love Got to Do with It?”, famously posed by Tina Turner, resonates deeply within the 1993 biopic of the same name. Starring Angela Bassett and Laurence Fishburne, this powerful film delves into the tumultuous early life and career of the legendary Tina Turner, then known as Anna Mae Bullock, and her complex relationship with Ike Turner. Far beyond a simple recounting of events, the movie masterfully portrays a woman’s unwavering determination to break free from abuse and claim her own destiny.
The film navigates Tina’s journey from her childhood in Nutbush, Tennessee, through the trials of her abusive marriage to Ike, and finally, towards her hard-won independence. While biopics inherently condense timelines and events, “What’s Love Got to Do with It” never loses sight of the core narrative: Tina’s incredible resilience. Knowing the details of Tina Turner’s life outside the film only amplifies the movie’s impact, highlighting the sheer magnitude of her struggle and ultimate victory.
The horror of Ike and Tina’s marriage is starkly depicted. Ike’s controlling nature, exacerbated by drug abuse, fuels escalating violence against Tina. A pivotal and disturbing scene in a limousine showcases this brutality. As Ike turns physically abusive, Tina, having found solace in Buddhism, finally musters the courage to fight back. This violent confrontation culminates in Tina’s escape with just thirty-six cents, marking the beginning of her journey to freedom.
Angela Bassett delivers a career-defining, electrifying performance as Tina Turner. Physically resembling Turner with a sinewy physique, Bassett flawlessly embodies Tina’s dynamic stage presence and raw emotional vulnerability. Lip-syncing to Tina Turner’s original recordings, Bassett captures not only the singer’s iconic moves but also the fear, strength, and inner turmoil that defined Tina’s early career. Her portrayal is not just mimicry; it’s a visceral embodiment of Tina’s spirit.
Equally powerful, Laurence Fishburne’s portrayal of Ike Turner is chillingly convincing. He masterfully conveys Ike’s manipulative charm and underlying rage. Even in moments of feigned kindness, Fishburne subtly hints at the volatile anger simmering beneath the surface. When Ike’s temper erupts, Fishburne portrays a man consumed by uncontrollable violence, making his performance both disturbing and unforgettable.
“What’s Love Got to Do with It” is undeniably a must-see film. While it primarily focuses on the earlier, more turbulent years of Tina Turner’s life, it lays the foundation for understanding her later global superstardom. Although the film doesn’t explore her resurgence in the 80s and beyond, it powerfully illustrates the valleys she had to navigate to become the iconic figure she is today. The question “What’s Love Got to Do with It?” becomes ironically poignant, revealing the stark contrast between the idealized notion of love and the brutal reality Tina endured, ultimately triumphing over adversity to define love and life on her own terms.
