Respect

Respect is a biographical drama film directed by Liesl Tommy, centered on the life and career of the legendary queen of soul music, Aretha Franklin. Released in 2021, the film stars Jennifer Hudson in the leading role, with a supporting cast that includes Forest Whitaker, Marlon Wayans, Audra McDonald, Marc Maron, Tituss Burgess, and Mary J. Blige, among others.

Respect unfurls the dramatic life story of Aretha Franklin, illustrating her journey from a child singing in her father's church choir to her ascension to international superstardom as one of the most iconic voices in music. Known for her powerful range and remarkable depth, Franklin gave the world countless hit songs, including "I Say A Little Prayer," "Bridge Over Troubled Water," and the unforgettable anthem "Respect." The biopic enables viewers to journey through Franklin's formative years, early career setbacks, personal struggles, significant triumphs, and major contributions to the civil rights movement.

Oscar-winning actress Jennifer Hudson brings Franklin to life in a captivating performance imbued with the spirit and passion the singer was known for. Hudson's embodiment of Franklin has earned widespread acclaim, with the two-time Grammy winner delivering both emotional acting ability and a stunning musical performance that truly channels Franklin.

Forest Whitaker delivers another memorable portrayal as the enigmatic Clarence LaVaughn Franklin, known as C.L. Franklin. Often controversial, C.L. is shown as a tremendous influence and a main driver behind young Aretha's career. As a prominent minister and civil rights activist, C.L. used his connections to assist Aretha's early rise while also serving as her manager.

Marlon Wayans appears in a refreshingly dramatic role as Ted White, Franklin's first husband and manager. Wayans captures the manipulating charm that initially attracted Aretha, while also depicting the tempestuous relationship that ensued, heavily influenced by White's substance abuse and domestic violence. Through Wayans' portrayal, the complexities and ghosts haunting Aretha's personal life are made evident, juxtaposing her public persona of a confident and successful artist.

Audra McDonald portrays Aretha's mother, Barbara, whose early departure from Aretha's life leaves a permanent imprint on her. Marc Maron plays Jerry Wexler, the influential music producer who aided Franklin's transition from struggling artist to Queen of Soul. Mary J. Blige appears as music titan Dinah Washington in an impressive cameo. The film also casts a light on Franklin's involvement in the civil rights movement, showing how her music became an anthem for African Americans in a time of great change.

However, Respect is not just an exploration of Franklin's public image - it's a personal and intimate portrait of the singer, revealing the multiple layers underneath her fame. It's a tale of a woman's journey of liberation, fighting against the odds and societal conventions to become an icon. The trials, tribulations, and triumphs of Franklin's life are rendered vibrant and inspirational in their telling, emerging as a tribute to a woman who fought against personal and professional adversity to leave her mark on the world.

Musically, the film is a triumph as well. Jennifer Hudson's vocal prowess shines throughout the film, and she brings an undeniable magnetism to the performance numbers that reverberate with Franklin's spirit. Respect captures pivotal moments of Franklin's career, showcasing arrangements and original tracks that made her a seminal figure in the music industry.

Respect encapsulates the life of a woman who burgeoning fame to use her platform to fight for a cause greater than herself. By uniquely navigating Franklin's personal and public life, the film offers viewers a poignant understanding of what shaped Franklin's journey, her music, and her indomitable spirit.

Through its engaging performances, period-accurate settings, stirring music, and a story that oscillates between the tender, the tragic, and the triumphant, Respect is more than just a biopic - it's a soulful homage to the legacy of Aretha Franklin. The film aptly demonstrates music’s transformative power and gives audiences a deeper respect for the Queen of Soul. It’s a stirring tribute to Franklin’s extraordinary life and the tremendous cultural legacy she left behind.