Biopics hold a certain allure. The promise of peeling back the layers of a celebrated figure, revealing the person behind the icon, is inherently captivating. We expect to see a side unknown to the average observer, a deeper understanding beyond the public persona. Unfortunately, “I Wanna Dance with Somebody,” the Whitney Houston biopic, doesn’t quite deliver on this promise. Instead of offering a genuine connection, the film feels like it keeps us at arm’s length, preventing us from truly finding Somebody To Dance With in Whitney’s story.
Performance Over Substance: The Stage Takes Center Stage
A significant portion of the movie’s runtime is dedicated to showcasing Whitney Houston’s legendary performances in their entirety. While these renditions are undeniably powerful and a testament to her vocal prowess, they consume valuable screen time that could have been used to delve into her personal narrative. Unlike many successful music biopics that understand the need to balance performance with personal exploration, “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” leans heavily on the familiar. We can readily access these iconic performances elsewhere; the biopic format should offer something more profound.
Superficial Glimpses: Personal Struggles Toned Down
The film also avoids a deep dive into Whitney’s personal life, opting instead for a surface-level approach. Critical aspects such as the domestic and drug abuse within her relationship with Bobby Brown are noticeably softened. Her relationship with Robyn Crawford, portrayed as one of the more genuine aspects of the film, is fleeting and lacks depth. Even Clive Davis, while depicted as a family figure, escapes any real scrutiny, despite his role in potentially shaping Whitney into a mold that wasn’t entirely authentic to her. This reluctance to confront the more challenging aspects of her life ultimately prevents the audience from grasping the full complexity of Whitney’s journey.
Legacy Control: A Barrier to True Understanding
It becomes apparent that even now, there’s a desire to control Whitney Houston’s legacy. This control seems to hinder the film’s ability to explore the intricate layers, vulnerabilities, and inner conflicts of this extraordinary talent. Whitney Houston was undoubtedly a phenomenal singer, a once-in-a-generation voice. However, “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” remains fixated on her talent, only scratching the surface of her emotional landscape and failing to truly understand the woman behind the voice.
For a more comprehensive and insightful exploration of Whitney Houston’s life, particularly the factors contributing to her tragic end and her inner struggles, the Kevin MacDonald documentary stands as a superior alternative. It delves deeper into her personal turmoil while still acknowledging her immense contributions to music and the joys she found in life. Ultimately, if you’re seeking to truly understand Whitney Houston and find somebody to dance with in her story, this biopic offers only a limited and somewhat sanitized experience.
