Shadows on the Wall | I Wanna Dance with Somebody

I Wanna Dance with Somebody

dir Kasi Lemmons
scr Anthony McCarten
prd Denis O'Sullivan, Jeff Kalligheri, Anthony McCarten, Pat Houston, Clive Davis
with Naomi Ackie, Stanley Tucci, Ashton Sanders, Tamara Tunie, Nafessa Williams, Clarke Peters, Kris Sidberry, Daniel Washington, JaQuan Malik Jones, Bailee Lopes, Bria Danielle Singleton, Dave Heard
release US 23.Dec.22,
UK 26.Dec.22
22/US TriStar 2h26

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In dramatising Whitney Houston's life, this film takes the expected celeb-biopic route. Even if it neglects to find new insight or resonance, the story is brought to vivid life in Naomie Ackie's visceral performance. And writer Anthony McCarten is always adept at cutting through the material to highlight larger themes and emotional touchpoints. Most intriguing is how the script so generously uses Houston's music to tell her story.

With a musical pedigree, Whitney (Ackie) is promoted by her gospel singer mother Cissy (Tunie), catching the attention of iconic producer Clive Davis (Tucci). He encourages her to choose her own songs, and her crossover success changes the industry. With best friend Robyn (Williams) at her side, she stands up to her domineering father John (Peters), who insists that he's her boss. But things begin to change when she marries Bobby Brown (Sanders), eventually pushing Robyn out as Whitney's minder. And as her career continues to ramp up, Whitney's drug use becomes a serious problem.

Refreshingly, the film refuses to flinch from the more scandalous aspects of Houston's life, remaining grounded and realistic in its portrayal of her complex relationship with Robyn, for example, as well as her addiction issues. So it's frustrating that this nuance doesn't extend to the characterisations themselves, as the various people around her remain eerily one-note throughout the film, even with solid performances from the cast. Thankfully, director Lemmons fills the screen with the music, including several complete powerhouse performances.

Ackie is remarkable in the role, capturing Houston's spark as a young woman who captured the affections of the whole world. Her passion for music is beautifully played, nicely tinged with deeper, sometimes darker emotions. So the way she connects with those in her orbit is fascinating. The best chemistry comes in scenes with Tucci, who beautifully underplays Davis with a wry sense of earthy humour. And Tunie is the other standout, as the fiercely in-control Cissy always makes her wishes known.

Because this film approaches the story from a straightforward angle, it never becomes much more than yet another biography about a gifted artist whose life was derailed by pressure from those who were profiting from her work. Watching Houston struggle against expectations is particularly painful because we know where this is heading. At least the film is solidly made to tell her story with clarity, celebrating Houston's enormous talents and engaging the audience without wallowing in the tragedy.

themes, language, violence, drugs 27.Dec.22

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