Author: Amy Nicole
The Whitney Houston biopic “Whitney” is set to premiere this Saturday on Lifetime. After the failed attempt of the Aaliyah biopic, fans and viewers are skeptical about how this movie will be able to accurately portray the late singer’s life. Just like with the Aaliyah movie the family members of the late singer were not supportive of the making of the film. The family is reportedly very disappointed that Basset never reached out to the family regarding the film.
Pat Houston, president of the Whitney Houston Estate, released the following statement regarding the film:
Since no one from the immediate family was contacted, nor have seen the film, we cannot help but question the veracity of a story about Whitney and Bobby’s personal relationship. Her life story – even a portion – should be dominated by people who value the merit of her life, not by a group that chose to present the weakest cycle of her life. Unfortunately, there’s nothing inspiring, liberating or uplifting about this project.”
Last summer when it was announced that the film was being produced, Whitney Houston’s daughter Bobby Kristina took to her twitter page to vent her anger and disapproval over the fact that she wasn’t cast to play her mother. The movie is being directed by actress Angela Basset who will be making her directorial debut. Basset was a casual friend of Houston and also starred in the movie “Waiting To Exhale” with her in the 90’s. Former “America’s Top Model” contestant Yaya DaCosta who also starred in “The Butler” will be portraying the late singer and actor Arlen Escarpeta will be portraying Whitney’s ex-husband Bobby Brown.
The movie will chronicle the singer’s rise to fame between the years of 1989 through 1994 and will also focus on Whitney’s relationship with Bobby Brown. Basset was pleased with the script for the biopic but was disappointed that Whitney’s spirituality was omitted because she says it was a key component of who she was as a person.
She released the following statement regarding her role as director for the film and honoring Whitney’s legacy:
“The role of director is a tremendous responsibility. I put my faith in the actors and serve them. In this movie, you’ll see the ‘home Whitney,’ the ‘glam Whitney.’ I fight every day to get it as right as we can. You want to honor their humanity. Whitney Houston was on the highest pedestal and she fell the furthest. She was an incredible artist and human being.”
The biopic “Whitney” will premiere on Lifetime this Saturday, January 17th at 8pm ET/PT. Check out the latest trailer here. Sources: ABC News; The Source This article was also featured on entnews.tv.
