The year of 2014 appeared to be the year of biopics, and 2015 doesn’t seem to change that. “Whitney,” the biopic directed by award-winning actress Angela Bassett, premiered on Lifetime Jan. 17 and overall received a good response from viewers on social media.
The film opens up as Whitney Houston, played by Yaya DeCosta (Lee Daniels’ “The Butler”), arrives at the 1989 Soul Train Awards where she mets future husband, Bobby Brown, portrayed by Arlen Escarpeta (Final Destination 5). DeCosta truly captures Houston’s carefree, joyous and sophisticated spirit within the first few minutes. Not to mention that memorable side glance.
What this film does display is Whitney’s alarming addiction to cocaine and other narcotics.
Contrary to previous reports that Brown was responsible for introducing Houston to the drug scene, this biopic shows the singer using heavy drugs before she met Brown.
The film also concentrates on the many ups and downs of the Houston-Brown relationship. Love, passion, and destructive behavior tells a great story as viewers get to know the characters.
While it is difficult to recruit performers who look similar to the story’s characters, Bassett did a great job with the cast and each of these performers are ones who have taken roles previously in the industry. Again, DeCosta not only looked similar to Houston, she portrayed her very well. Escarpeta did a decent job as well, but Decosta truly stole the spotlight.
Since Houston’s family were not behind the production, original music could not be used, but many of Houston’s favorite hits weren’t left out. Grammy-nominated and multiplatinum-selling entertainer Deborah Cox supplied vocals and while no one can truly mimic the voice of Houston, Cox did a wonderful job and I hope this film unveils her extreme vocal talent to the world.
The music scenes were fun, entertaining and energetic. DeCosta’s attire was spot on, from the elaborate gowns, to the black and gold bedazzled jacket to the wedding wear.
Although many of viewers’ response remained positive or nonchalant, they discovered one issue: The story showed no faults of Brown until more than half way through the film where his addiction to alcohol is apparent. This perspective stirred up the viewpoint that maybe Brown had an influence on the production.
Overall I give this film an 8 out of 10. An encore runs again tonight at 8 p.m. On the Lifetime Network.
