Whitney (2018)

I think the movie is primarily, though not exclusively, for fans. The documentary does exactly what you would expect - it rehashes the information that most people who own a television set or read a newspaper already know. In short we are told that she was very talented, had a lot of success followed by (and in conjunction with) considerable difficulties, and died unexpectedly. The film is interspersed throughout with her marriage, drugs, and the minutia of her life that is common knowledge by now. I did not have any revelations that I did not have prior. At best, on a rare occasion, an assumption or two I had was confirmed. Some may argue that the documentary was not intended to present us with additional intriguing information that we did not already know, and that it was more about being a tribute - and this is fine. Irregardless, I would suggest that if you have not had your head in the sand for the last few decades you can miss this one without too much worry. I would not say the film is bad per se, but I did not think it brought anything substantial from outside we already knew. It is, however, a perfectly fine nostalgic film that hard core Whitney fans will likely not want to miss.

I do not know where to begin to tell me about this documentary. Because it is so good in so many ways. This catchy, deep, revealing and thorough documentary about deceased Whitney Houston is really worth a kinobook. Last year, the film, Can I Be Me?, Came as a documentary about her. I liked it too, but nothing beats this! Most people know Whitney Houston, her fantasy career and cruel destiny. This documentary tells in depth why it went as it went. Unlike Can I Be Me? Has the director received her closest in speech and they speak openly. This gives the film both credibility and impact. The film also manages to put Houston's life and career in a time perspective, which means that one follows this artist through 30 years in the media image. Very interesting. Just go see it!

Saw this movie today and would highly recommend it to anyone who was a Whitney Houston fan. Some of the behind the scenes footage (interviews with friends and/or family members) reflected a sadder side to Whitney's life. I personally felt sorry for her but I also realize that when one makes decisions they have to experience the consequences. Movie was mildly depressing when one realizes how this super-talent was not utilized to its potential because of her poor lifestyle choices.

I was lucky enough to see this as part of preview screening at the Brixton Ritzy, bookended by incredible performances from the London Community Gospel Choir. It was emotionally exhausting, a whole range from euphoria at her stratospheric rise to distress at Whitney's destructive fall and personal tragedy. The film is an education in the music industry, media reaction and family drama. Stark and shocking in places with well chosen news footage framing her life in the context of the world she lived in at the time.