Respect (2021 American film)

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Respect
Respect 2020 film poster.png
Theatrical release poster
Directed byLiesl Tommy
Screenplay byTracey Scott Wilson[1]
Story by
Produced by
Starring
CinematographyKramer Morgenthau
Edited byAvril Beukes
Music byKris Bowers
Production
companies
Distributed by
Release date
  • August 8, 2021 (2021-08-08) (Los Angeles)[2]
  • August 13, 2021 (2021-08-13) (United States)
Running time
145 minutes[3]
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Budget$55 million[4]
Box office$27 million[5][6]

Respect is a 2021 American biographical musical drama film based on the life of American singer Aretha Franklin. Directed by Liesl Tommy (in her feature directorial debut), from a screenplay written by Tracey Scott Wilson, the film stars Jennifer Hudson as Franklin. Forest Whitaker, Marlon Wayans, Audra McDonald, Marc Maron, Tituss Burgess, and Mary J. Blige are featured in supporting roles.

Respect premiered in Los Angeles on August 8, 2021,[7] and was released theatrically in the United States on August 13, 2021, by United Artists Releasing, and in other territories by Universal Pictures. The film grossed $27 million worldwide and received generally favorable reviews from critics, with praise for Hudson's performance, the film’s production values and costume design, but received criticism for its screenplay.

Plot[]

In 1952, 10-year-old Aretha Franklin lives with her Baptist pastor father, C. L. Franklin, as well her sisters Erma and Carolyn in Detroit, Michigan. The sudden death of her mother Barbara traumatizes Aretha and, as a result, she is unwilling to speak until her father forces her to sing at church after weeks of silence.

Aretha, now a teenager and mother of two in 1959, meets Ted White, a local producer, at a party at her father's house. The two strike up a conversation before being interrupted by C. L., who warns Ted to stay away from his family. Later, C. L. surprises Aretha with tickets to New York for a meeting with Columbia Records executive John Hammond. After being offered a contract, Aretha begins to sing jazz records with Columbia, including "Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive."

Four albums later, Aretha still lacks a signature hit as a jazz singer. After singing a tribute to inspiration and longtime family friend Dinah Washington, who is initially angered by the gesture, she is told to find songs that move her and stop trying to fit the polished image her father wants her to display. Aretha reunites with Ted White, with whom she begins a relationship. Frustrated by her lack of success after nine albums, Aretha begins skipping recording sessions to see him, embarrassing her father. Much to the chagrin of her sisters and the dismay of their father, Aretha returns home and introduces Ted to her family and announces her desire to have Ted become her manager; her father begrudgingly consents.

In 1961, Ted and Aretha marry and have a child, while Aretha is ultimately dropped by Columbia. Ted secures a deal with veteran record producer Jerry Wexler of Atlantic Records, who pairs her with accomplished musicians in Muscle Shoals, where Aretha begins to record her first hit, "I Never Loved A Man (The Way I Love You)". However, the recording session is cut short after Ted gets into a fight with the manager of the studio.

After a physical altercation with Ted results in a black eye, Aretha returns home to Detroit and hears her own song on the radio, empowering her to take a more hands-on role in her career. One night, Aretha and Carolyn are inspired to re-arrange Otis Redding's song "Respect," and it becomes a #1 single.

Before a concert, Dr. Martin Luther King, a longtime family friend of the Franklins, honors Aretha with an award from the Southern Christian Leadership Center, proclaiming February 16 as "Aretha Franklin Day" in Detroit. Aretha sings another signature hit, "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman," and makes plans to sing for another civil rights event in Memphis, defying Ted's plan for her to meet with Wexler and other executives to discuss the prospect of a tour. After Time magazine publishes an article depicting Ted's abuse towards Aretha in a hotel lobby, an angry Ted confronts Aretha, causing her to end their relationship.

After the breakdown of her marriage to Ted, Aretha begins dating her tour manager Ken Cunningham, and eventually has her fourth child. After learning of Dr. King's April 1968 assassination, Aretha's distraught father drunkenly argues with her over the direction of the Movement, expressing doubt in the younger generation's patience and ability to make long-term gains, before ultimately telling Aretha that she no longer walks in the spirit.

Aretha continues to release hits but has begun to overwork herself, constantly double-booking appearances and coping with the pressure of her career by increasingly turning to alcohol and drugs. Aretha's siblings attempt to stage an intervention, but Aretha angrily tells them they are supported by her success. During a performance, a drunken Aretha falls from the stage and Ken decides to leave. Aretha continues to find solace in her drinking until she sees a vision of her late mother and decides to sober up, leading to Ken reconciling with her.

Aretha becomes convinced that she must return to her gospel roots, and approaches Wexler with the idea of producing a gospel album. Doubtful of the album's ability to sell, Wexler attempts to dissuade her before relenting on the condition that she allow the recording to be filmed. Aretha begins rehearsals with family friend James Cleveland, now a respected gospel artist. During the recording, Aretha is happy to see that her father has agreed to come, and he apologizes to Aretha for the pain he has caused her. She begins to sing Amazing Grace, which became the highest-selling album of her career with over two million copies in the United States and earned a double platinum certification.

Cast[]

Production[]

The project had been long in development, with Jennifer Hudson set to play Aretha Franklin. Franklin herself was involved with the development up until her death on August 16, 2018.[8] She stated that Hudson would win an Oscar for the portrayal.[9] In January 2019, Liesl Tommy was set to direct the film.[10] The rest of the cast was added in October 2019, including Forest Whitaker, Marlon Wayans, Audra McDonald and Mary J. Blige.[1]

In a June 2019 slate deal, MGM added Bron Creative as a co-financing and producing company to this film.[11] Filming began in Atlanta, Georgia, on September 2, 2019,[12] and wrapped on February 15, 2020.[13] Jonathan Glickman, MGM's President of the Motion Picture Group, exited the company on February 1, 2020, with a first-look deal starting with the film.[14]

Soundtrack[]

Respect
Jennifer Hudson - Respect OST.png
Soundtrack album by
Jennifer Hudson
ReleasedAugust 13, 2021
Studio
  • Fame Recording Studios (Muscle Shoals)
  • Saturn Sound (Los Angeles)
  • The Light House (Los Angeles)
  • Westlake Studios (Los Angeles)
Genre
Length58:39
Label
Producer
Jennifer Hudson chronology
JHUD
(2014) 		Respect
(2021)
Singles from Respect
  1. "Here I Am (Singing My Way Home)"
    Released: June 18, 2021

The film's soundtrack features one original song, "Here I Am (Singing My Way Home)", performed by Hudson. Written by Hudson, Carole King, and Jamie Hartman[15] and produced by will.i.am and Johnny Goldstein, the song was released on June 18, 2021.[16] "Here I Am (Singing My Way Home)" peaked at number 21 on the Billboard Adult R&B Songs chart dated August 28, 2021.[17] The soundtrack album was released on August 13 via Epic Records.[18][19]

Track listing[]

No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."There Is a Fountain Filled with Blood"William Cowper, Lowell Mason2:53
2."Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive"Harold Arlen, Johnny Mercer2:20
3."Nature Boy"Eden Ahbez3:13
4."I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)"Ronnie Shannon3:56
5."Do Right Woman, Do Right Man"Chips Moman, Dan Penn3:13
6."Dr. Feelgood"Aretha Franklin, Ted White3:24
7."Respect"Otis Redding3:42
8."(Sweet Sweet Baby) Since You've Been Gone"Aretha Franklin, Ted White2:26
9."Ain't No Way"Carolyn Franklin4:16
10."(You Make Me Feel Like A) Natural Woman"Gerry Goffin, Carole King, Jerry Wexler3:07
11."Chain of Fools"Don Covay2:29
12."Think"Aretha Franklin, Ted White1:49
13."Take My Hand, Precious Lord"Rev. Thomas A. Dorsey2:18
14."Spanish Harlem"Jerry Leiber, Phil Spector3:38
15."I Say a Little Prayer"Burt Bacharach, Hal David3:41
16."Precious Memories"J.B.F. Wright1:57
17."Amazing Grace"Traditional5:03
18."Here I Am (Singing My Way Home)"Jamie Hartman, Jennifer Hudson, Carole King5:14
Total length:58:39

Charts[]

Chart performance for Respect
Chart (2021) Peak
position
Swiss Albums (Schweizer Hitparade)[20] 93
UK Digital Albums (OCC)[21] 33
UK Soundtrack Albums (OCC)[22] 6
US Billboard 200[23] 151
US Soundtrack Albums (Billboard)[24] 2
US Top R&B Albums (Billboard)[25] 16

Release[]

Respect premiered in Los Angeles on August 8, 2021, and was theatrically released in the United States on August 13, 2021.[26] It was originally scheduled for a limited release on December 25, 2020, followed by an expansion on January 8, 2021, before going wide the following week.[27] Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was switched to a sole wide release on January 15, without a limited release,[28] before it was delayed again to August 2021. Previous release dates also included August 14, 2020, and October 9.[29]

The film screened at the 74th Locarno Film Festival, in the Piazza Grande section to be held from August 4 to 14.[30]

Reception[]

Box office[]

As of September 15, 2021, Respect has grossed $23.4 million in the United States and Canada, and $3.6 million in other territories, for a worldwide total of $27 million.[6][5]

In the United States and Canada, Respect was released alongside Free Guy and Don't Breathe 2, and was projected to gross around $10 million from 3,207 theaters in its opening weekend.[4] The film made $3.6 million on its first day, including $650,000 from Thursday night previews. It went on to debut to $8.8 million, finishing fourth at the box office.[31] Despite the film's targeted demographics of older, female, and African-American audiences all being among the most-reluctant to attend a theater amid the pandemic, the film's opening weekend audience was 63% female and 47% African American, with 86% being over the age of 25.[32] The film made $3.8 million in its second weekend (a drop of 57%), finishing fifth, then made $2.2 million in its third weekend.[33][34]

Critical response[]

Jennifer Hudson's portrayal of Aretha Franklin garnered critical acclaim.

On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an approval rating of 67% based on 141 reviews, with an average rating of 6.3/10. The website's critics consensus reads: "This standard-issue biopic falls shy of its subject's transcendent brilliance, but Jennifer Hudson's starring performance absolutely commands Respect."[35] On Metacritic, the film has an aggregate score of 63 out of 100 based on 38 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews".[36] Audiences polled by CinemaScore gave the film an average grade of "A" on an A+ to F scale, while PostTrak reported filmgoers gave it an 89% positive score.[32]

In a positive review from The New York Times, Manohla Dargis stated that the film "finds its own groove" and praised the performances of Mary J. Blige and Jennifer Hudson, calling the latter a "pleasure just to watch her walk into a room."[37] Odie Henderson of RogerEbert.com gave the film a score of 3 out of 4 stars, writing that "Hudson performs with the same tireless intensity Re was known for throughout her career. It's a damn good performance and this is a damn entertaining movie." Henderson also said "There's a fair amount of ugliness in Franklin's story—sexual assault, domestic abuse, alcoholism—and it's to the film's credit that it resists the temptation to treat these issues salaciously. But Respect never goes deeper than a surface-level exploration of how these traumas affected Franklin."[38]

Writing for Variety, Peter Debruge called the film an "overly respectful biopic [that] steers clear of revealing the traumas that shaped the soul legend" and said: "Though Respect can feel a little soft in the drama department, it delivers the added pleasure of hearing Hudson re-create Franklin's key songs, from the early jazz standards she covered for Columbia to her reinvention of the Otis Redding single that lends the film its name."[39] Also writing for Variety, Cassie Da Costa praised Hudson's portrayal of Franklin, saying: "Bringing an incredible mix of gestural subtlety and musical power, it cannot be said enough what Hudson achieves here by transmitting a rich sense of interiority, staying true to who Franklin was in private with every look given, word spoken, and melisma sung."[40]

Pete Hammond of Deadline also praised Hudson's performance, saying; "This is Jennifer Hudson's triumph merged with the spirit and guidance from an even greater voice above. Hudson's performance is an electrifying sight to behold."[41] Sasha Stone from Awards Daily, praised the film and especially Hudson's performance, saying: "Hudson’s performance is partly her incredible voice. She suspends time in reverie whenever she sings. But this performance also establishes her as a formidable actress capable of navigating the ever-changing waters of Franklin's complicated life—from a young wife who doesn't quite understand exactly what kind of gift she actually has, through to finding a way to honor her own creative spirit."[42] Writing for Time, Stephanie Zacharek called Respect "both entertaining and emotionally revelatory" and praised the performances of the cast, especially Hudson's, saying: "It's Hudson’s job to play the adult version of that girl, and she shoulders it with something like tenderness. The easy thing, when you're playing a strong, potent character, is to bite down; Hudson never does. This is a terrific performance, underplayed in all the right ways, an emotionally detailed portrait of a woman who knew what she wanted and knew she could deliver—but who also moved through life knowing that she'd been cruelly robbed of that thing we so sentimentally call childhood."[43]

Accolades[]

Year Award organization Category Recipient Result Ref.
2021 Women's Image Network Awards Best Feature Film Harvey Mason Jr., Scott Bernstein, Jonathan Glickman, Stacey Sher Pending [44]
Best Actress Jennifer Hudson Pending

References[]

  1. ^ Jump up to: a b c D'Alessandro, Anthony (October 18, 2019). "'Respect': MGM Aretha Franklin Biopic Casts Forest Whitaker; Marlon Wayans, Mary J. Blige & More". Deadline. Retrieved March 5, 2020.CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  2. ^ https://bossip.com/2034604/respect-jennifer-hudson-red-carpet/
  3. ^ "Respect - Movie Review". www.commonsensemedia.org. June 9, 2021.
  4. ^ Jump up to: a b Rubin, Rebecca (August 11, 2021). "Disney's 'Free Guy' Is Playing Only in Theaters. Can That Help Ticket Sales?". Variety. Retrieved August 11, 2021.
  5. ^ Jump up to: a b "Respect (2021) - Financial Information". The Numbers. Nash Information Services, LLC. Retrieved September 16, 2021.
  6. ^ Jump up to: a b "Respect (2021)". Box Office Mojo. IMDb. Retrieved September 16, 2021.
  7. ^ https://bossip.com/2034604/respect-jennifer-hudson-red-carpet/
  8. ^ Jump up to: a b Chris Willman (2018-08-17). "Aretha's Films: Whither Her Jennifer Hudson Biopic, 'Amazing Grace'?". Variety. Retrieved March 11, 2020.
  9. ^ Archive, View Author; feed, Get author RSS (2021-07-30). "Aretha Franklin said Jennifer Hudson would win an Oscar for playing her". New York Post. Retrieved 2021-08-20.
  10. ^ McNary, Dave (January 10, 2019). "Aretha Franklin Biopic 'Respect' Taps Director". Variety. Retrieved March 5, 2020.
  11. ^ Moreau, Jordan (June 6, 2019). "MGM and Bron Creative Enter $100 Million Co-Financing Deal". Variety. Retrieved December 2, 2019.
  12. ^ Ho, Rodney (September 10, 2019). "Aretha Franklin biopic 'Respect' starring Jennifer Hudson shooting in Georgia". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved March 5, 2020.
  13. ^ Bennett, Anita (February 15, 2020). "Jennifer Hudson Wraps Production On Aretha Franklin Biopic 'Respect'". Deadline. Retrieved March 5, 2020.
  14. ^ Lang, Brent; Kroll, Justin (January 3, 2020). "Michael De Luca to Replace Jonathan Glickman at MGM". Variety. Retrieved March 5, 2020.
  15. ^ Kellman, Andy. "Respect [Original Motion Picture Soundtrack] - Jennifer Hudson". Allmusic. Retrieved August 21, 2021.
  16. ^ https://www.qobuz.com/fr-fr/album/respect-original-motion-picture-soundtrack-jennifer-hudson/zksixnihqixpc
  17. ^ "Jennifer Hudson Chart History (Adult R&B Songs)". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media. Retrieved August 23, 2021.
  18. ^ Mitchell, Gail (June 16, 2021). "Jennifer Hudson, Carole King Co-Write Original Song for Aretha Franklin Biopic 'Respect': Exclusive". Billboard. Retrieved June 19, 2021.
  19. ^ Blistein, Jon (June 18, 2021). "Jennifer Hudson, Carole King Collaborate on New Song for Aretha Franklin Biopic, 'Here I Am (Singing My Way Home)'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved June 19, 2021.
  20. ^ "Swisscharts.com – Soundtrack / Jennifer Hudson – Respect". Hung Medien. Retrieved August 30, 2021.
  21. ^ "Official Album Downloads Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved August 21, 2021.
  22. ^ "Official Soundtrack Albums Chart Top 50". Official Charts Company. Retrieved August 21, 2021.
  23. ^ "Jennifer Hudson Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved August 24, 2021.
  24. ^ "Jennifer Hudson Chart History (Soundtrack Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved August 24, 2021.
  25. ^ ""Jennifer Hudson Chart History (Top R&B Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved August 24, 2021.
  26. ^ Beatrice Verhoeven (October 27, 2020). "Aretha Franklin Biopic 'Respect' Pushed 7 Months, 'Tomb Raider 2' Now Unset". TheWrap. Retrieved October 27, 2020.
  27. ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (March 26, 2020). "Aretha Franklin Biopic 'Respect' Heads To Christmas For Awards Season Rollout". Deadline. Retrieved March 26, 2020.
  28. ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (July 22, 2020). "Aretha Franklin Biopic 'Respect' Going Wide Over MLK Weekend Instead Of Christmas Platform Release". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved July 22, 2020.
  29. ^ Evans, Greg (December 20, 2019). "Jennifer Hudson Demands R-E-S-P-E-C-T In First-Look Aretha Franklin Biopic Footage". Deadline. Retrieved March 26, 2020.
  30. ^ Grater, Tom (July 1, 2021). "Locarno Unveils 2021 Line-Up: Abel Ferrara's Ethan Hawke-Starrer 'Zeros And Ones' To World Premiere". Deadline. Retrieved July 2, 2021.
  31. ^ "Domestic 2021 Weekend 33". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved August 15, 2021.
  32. ^ Jump up to: a b D'Alessandro, Anthony (August 15, 2021). "Ryan Reynolds' 'Free Guy' Is Alive At The Weekend B.O. Heading For $26M+". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved August 15, 2021.
  33. ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (August 22, 2021). "'Free Guy' Posts Best Summer Second Weekend Hold During Pandemic; 'Paw Patrol' Arrests $13M – Sunday Box Office Update". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved August 22, 2021.
  34. ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (August 29, 2021). "'Candyman' Makes The Box Office Taste Good With $22M+ Opening". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved August 29, 2021.
  35. ^ "Respect (2021)". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango. Retrieved September 6, 2021.
  36. ^ "Respect Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved August 30, 2021.
  37. ^ Dargis, Manohla (August 12, 2021). "'Respect' Review: Giving a Queen Her Propers". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved August 14, 2021.
  38. ^ Tallerico, Brian (August 13, 2021). "Respect movie review (2021)". RogerEbert.com. Retrieved August 15, 2021.
  39. ^ Debruge, Peter (August 8, 2021). "'Respect' Review: Jennifer Hudson Gives Flattering Yet Flat Aretha Franklin Portrait". Variety. Retrieved August 13, 2021.
  40. ^ Da Costa, Cassie (August 8, 2021). "Jennifer Hudson's Aretha Franklin Biopic Deserves More Respect". Variety. Retrieved August 16, 2021.
  41. ^ Hammond, Pete (August 8, 2021). "'Respect' Review: Jennifer Hudson Electrifies In Role Aretha Franklin Personally Chose Her To Play". Deadline. Retrieved August 9, 2021.
  42. ^ Stone, Sasha (August 14, 2021). "Respect – Portrait of the Artist as the Queen of Soul (Review)". Awards Daily. Retrieved August 9, 2021.
  43. ^ Zacharek, Stephanie (August 14, 2021). "Jennifer Hudson Makes a Dazzling Aretha Franklin in the Satisfying and Potent Respect". Time. Retrieved August 12, 2021.
  44. ^ "Women's Image Network ANNOUNCES its 23rd WOMEN'S IMAGE AWARDS FILM & TELEVISION NOMINEES". Benzinga (Press release). Retrieved 2021-04-09.

External links[]

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