Biopics have a unique challenge: to go beyond the surface of celebrity and reveal unseen facets of a well-known figure. Many viewers approach biopics hoping for a deeper understanding, something beyond the highlight reels. Unfortunately, “Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody” largely misses this mark.
One of the film’s significant drawbacks is its extensive reliance on recreating Whitney Houston’s iconic performances in their entirety. While these performances are undeniably captivating and remind us of her extraordinary talent, they consume a considerable portion of the film’s runtime. For fans eager to relive these moments, readily available concert footage and music videos already serve this purpose. Dedicate screen time to these well-documented performances feels somewhat redundant in a biographical context that should ideally delve deeper into the person behind the voice.
Furthermore, the film only scratches the surface of Whitney Houston’s complex personal life. Sensitive issues such as the reported domestic turmoil and substance abuse within her relationship with Bobby Brown are noticeably toned down. Her deeply significant bond with Robyn Crawford, often highlighted as a pivotal relationship in her life, is depicted in fleeting moments, lacking the depth and exploration it arguably deserves. Even the portrayal of Clive Davis, while presented with warmth – unsurprising given his executive producer role – avoids a more nuanced perspective. While Davis undoubtedly played a crucial role in her career, the film sidesteps any critical examination of the potential pressures and control exerted on Whitney to fit a particular mold.
It becomes increasingly clear that even now, there’s a palpable desire to control and curate Whitney Houston’s legacy. This underlying motive seems to prevent “Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody” from fully exploring the complexities, vulnerabilities, and internal conflicts that shaped this immensely gifted artist. Whitney Houston was, without question, a phenomenal singer, an unparalleled vocal talent. However, the film seems content to merely acknowledge this talent, only venturing into her emotional depths superficially.
For those seeking a more profound and insightful understanding of Whitney Houston, particularly regarding the factors that contributed to her tragic trajectory, the Kevin Macdonald documentary offers a more compelling alternative. This documentary delves into the potential underlying causes of her struggles and provides clues to her inner turmoil, while also celebrating her extraordinary contributions to music and the aspects of life she cherished. While “Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody” offers glimpses of her brilliance, it ultimately falls short of providing the comprehensive and unflinching portrait that a figure as significant and complex as Whitney Houston deserves, especially when considering the richness and depth hinted at in songs like “I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me).”
