For devoted fans, this movie is undoubtedly a compelling watch, brimming with nostalgia and powerful emotions. Tears flowed freely throughout the film, particularly during the singing scenes that utilized Whitney Houston’s unmistakable voice – a deeply moving experience, pun intended!
While the physical resemblance to Whitney might not be perfect, Naomi Ackie delivers a remarkable performance. She masterfully captures Whitney’s mannerisms and body language, offering a truly convincing portrayal. Similarly, the actor embodying Clive Davis is exceptionally well-cast. Adding significant authenticity to the film are the impeccable styling, costumes, makeup, and hair. The recreation of music video sets is also remarkably accurate, deserving of accolades for the production team.
Having extensively explored Whitney Houston’s life through biopics, documentaries, interviews, and biographies penned by figures like Cissy Houston, Bobby Brown, Narada Michael Walden, and Robyn Crawford, some discrepancies and omissions in the movie were noticeable. For example, the absence of Eddie Murphy’s mention is a notable exclusion. Furthermore, the film incorrectly attributes the request for Whitney to sing “I Will Always Love You” to Clive Davis, when it is widely known that Kevin Costner was instrumental in this iconic song choice.
The portrayals of John Houston and Robyn Crawford also presented some disappointments. John is depicted as an overly aggressive father primarily motivated by financial gain from his daughter’s success. While there might be elements of truth to this, Robyn’s book suggests a more nuanced reality, describing John as gentle and genuinely concerned for Whitney’s well-being. The movie’s depiction leans heavily into a one-dimensional portrayal of greed.
Similarly, Robyn Crawford’s character in the film seems to deviate significantly from her real-life persona. Those familiar with Whitney’s story know Robyn as a soft-spoken, composed individual who genuinely cared for Whitney.
The depiction of Whitney as occasionally aloof towards fans seeking autographs or photographs felt somewhat jarring. While such instances might have occurred, numerous documented moments showcase her genuine happiness in interacting with her fans.
Another notable absence is Whitney’s personal assistant and close confidante, Sylvia. Even a brief acknowledgment, such as an extra discreetly placing a towel over Whitney – a common gesture by Sylvia during tours – would have added a layer of authenticity for keen observers.
The movie could have benefited from a greater emphasis on aspects deeply significant to Whitney, such as her faith, community involvement, and philanthropic endeavors. A deeper exploration of these facets would have provided a more complete picture of her character.
It’s important to manage expectations; this biopic doesn’t unveil groundbreaking revelations beyond public knowledge. It doesn’t delve into profound, unexplored depths of her life.
Some critics have argued for a stronger focus on her struggles and lesser-known aspects of her life. However, this perspective overlooks Whitney’s own desires. She reportedly disliked intense public scrutiny of her personal life and wished to be remembered primarily for her musical legacy. The movie respects this by presenting a balanced overview of her well-documented journey – encompassing both triumphs and tribulations – while ultimately celebrating her enduring legacy and achievements, which have sometimes been overshadowed by her personal challenges. This approach ensures that viewers can still appreciate the incredible artistry that made us all want to dance with Whitney’s music.
