I Wanna Dance with Somebody focuses on Whitney Houston’s rise to fame as a singer.
The first part of Whitney’s life was a surprise, as she had a close relationship with her best friend. Robyn Crawford became her assistant and they shared an apartment together.
Whitney’s beliefs were strongly influenced by her parents and her Baptist religious upbringing. It’s sad to see the prejudices of other people influence her business, financial and personal decisions.
Her tiger mother coached her in gospel singing and expected a high standard. (Cissy had been a backup singer for Elvis Presley and Aretha Franklin.)
Whitney’s music career exploded but she was criticized for “not being black enough”. Rumours were swirling and her manager wanted her to be photographed with men.
When Whitney met singer, Bobby Brown – the press loved the golden couple. They married but Bobby was not faithful or a good influence. Together they had one child, and she later divorced him.
Her life seemed to be a pressure cooker. Her father retained financial control of her business and arrogantly didn’t think anything of his excess spending. So she agreed to a gruelling tour to help boost her personal finances.
But Whitney had a cocaine addiction and her drug abuse was out of control. This part of her life is depicted subtly.
I Wanna Dance with Somebody is packed with all of the songs you know and love and reveals a side to Whitney Houston’s story that feels authentic and genuine.
About I Wanna Dance with Somebody
I Wanna Dance with Somebody is a powerful and triumphant celebration of the incomparable Whitney Houston. Directed by Kasi Lemmons, written by Academy Award® nominee Anthony McCarten, produced by legendary music executive Clive Davis and starring BAFTA Award® winner Naomi Ackie, the film is a no-holds-barred portrait of the complex and multifaceted woman behind The Voice. From New Jersey choir girl to one of the best-selling and most awarded recording artists of all time, audiences are taken on an inspirational, poignant—and so emotional—journey through Houston’s trailblazing life and career, with show-stopping performances and a soundtrack of the icon’s most beloved hits as you’ve never heard them before. Don’t you wanna dance? #IWannaDanceMovie
Starring Naomi Ackie, Stanley Tucci, Ashton Sanders, Tamara Tunie, Nafessa Williams and Clarke Peters
Directed by Kasi Lemmons
In cinemas boxing day.
Leave a Reply