This straightforward but well-mounted biopic charts the story of Aretha Franklin from precociously talented youngster having to grow up way too fast (death of her mother, childhood abuse) through her early recording career struggles and eventual success, whilst addressing her personal highs, lows and demons along the way. She is painted as the ultimate survivor against toxic patriarchy as she battles to achieve her musical and personal independence, and her role in fighting for women and civil rights is given due significance here. The film conveys the idea that music (popular and church) filled Aretha's life from the start very well, and it balances her music career and rollercoaster personal life effectively (within the confines of the biopic genre that inevitably provides a populist whistle-stop tour of the decades). The central performance by Jennifer Hudson is undeniably superb, but there is also some great character work by Forest Whitaker as her controlling father and Marlon Wayans as her volatile manager/husband. The film packs a lot into its running time, providing an interesting and also musically entertaining peek into the life and career of one of soul music's most significant women.
No comments:
Post a Comment