Allan Watched "Respect"
Few movies this year will leave you as frustrated as the Aretha Franklin biopic Respect, a film that can’t decide what to include from the legend’s life, so instead focuses on all of the pain and little of the triumph of Franklin’s remarkable life.
Gut
There are many parts of Respect that are an absolute delight, mainly when Jennifer Hudson, playing Franklin admirably, is singing the hit songs we love in a way only she can. There are also deeply moving and painful moments that are effective, especially when the complicated story of Franklin and her father C.L. Franklin (Forest Whitaker) unfolds in bursts throughout the film. But where Respect fails Franklin’s legacy, and hinders Hudson’s ability to really shine, is what the film’s creators decided to primarily focus on: Franklin’s struggles with alcohol abuse, and her abusive first husband Ted White.
It is not to say that her drinking and troubling relationship with White, portrayed by Marlon Wayans in one of his more developed performances, are not important parts of her story, but at every stop on her march to superstardom we have no time to enjoy her successes, because her trauma and abuse always supersedes the celebration.
Little to Celebrate
One of the main frustrations I have with the very flawed script is how glossed over Franklin’s rise to fame is. I understand it was seemingly overnight, but why not let us enjoy her becoming the biggest star in the world, instead we go from hearing her first song on the radio, right to her selling out Madison Square Garden. These wonderful moments in her becoming the “Queen of Soul” are skipped, but her at times crippling alcohol abuse is harped on without relent.
If you knew nothing about Franklin’s career, and only watched Respect, you would think her legacy was one of wasted promise, and not one of the most storied, influential careers we have ever seen. Even though the ending is strong and settles into one of her high moments, it is not enough to save the damage of the plot choices.
Hudson Shines as Bright as She Can
Against all odds, Hudson is still tremendous, and she is truly the only person on the planet who can deliver a performance of Franklin that shows off her heart and immense talent. When Hudson is allowed to sing, or is showing the special glimpses into the song writing process, we get what we came here to see. Even though the traumatic scenes make up too much of the film, Hudson still gets to the pain of Franklin’s traumatic upbringing when we see her sink lower and lower. Hudson is the saving grace of Respect, and makes it arguably worth seeing.
Random Thoughts
Whitaker leads a talented supporting cast with his complex take on Franklin’s father. His tone shifts on a dime brilliantly in the times when he goes from loving to angry. It lets you experience the feeling of hopelessness Franklin felt when trying to rectify their tumultuous history.
I’ve seen so much Marc Maron hate regarding his performance and I really don’t get it. Maron is spot on as Rock and Roll and R&B Hall of Fame producer Jerry Wexler. Maron is funny when he has to be, matches Wayans and Hudson’s intensity in their scenes together, and doesn’t feel like the caricature you might expect. I know Maron feels like a punchline these days, but he really is great.
There is a scene with the great Mary J. Blige, playing Franklin’s role model and fellow Hall of Famer Dinah Washington, that is the most over-the-top and insane scene that I have seen in a long time. It’s hard to really describe.
Saycon Sengbloh and Hailey Kilgore hold their own as Franklin’s sisters Erma and Carolyn. I wish the story focused on the sisters together.
Hudson gave me chills multiple times, I wish I wasn’t in the theater so I could’ve counted, but a half dozen times I sat in the chair shivering from her performances.
Hey look! It’ the guy Rachel awkwardly hits on in Friends and gives away super expensive Knicks tickets to like a fool!
The mid-credit scene is worth staying for. Carole King is perhaps the most underrated musician of all time.
Quick Hits:
How many times have I seen this movie?
First time, saw it in theaters on opening night.
Where was I watching it?
In the theaters in a reclining chair with popcorn and a big ol’ diet root beer with Kellye.
Favorite trivia about the movie
I find it interesting that Franklin was involved before her passing (almost exactly years to the day before the release). I wonder how much of the plot choices were influenced by her and how she would have felt with the focus of the film.
Favorite part
The songwriting scenes in Alabama.
Least favorite part
That Mary J. scene, like wtf was that.
Would I recommend this movie?
Wait until it is on a streaming service, and enjoy Hudson for two and a half hours.
So What Does Allan Give It?
One thumbs up, overall a score of 59. If it weren’t for Hudson and the supporting cast lifting up the weak plot, it would be unwatchable. But the floor is only so low when it involves Hudson singing Aretha songs.
