Whitney Houston biopic directed by actress Angela Bassett has been criticized by the late singer’s family.
The singer’s sister-in-law, Pat Houston, wrote on Whitney’s website that fans who plan to watch the made-for-TV movie should “brace for the worst”.
Pat Houston said the film, which premiered on Lifetime on January 17 in the US, was made without the family’s blessing.
She also accused Angela Bassett, who starred alongside Whitney Houston in Waiting to Exhale, of “misrepresenting” their friendship.
“If you watch this movie, watch it knowing that Lifetime is notorious for making bad biopics of deceased celebrities and brace yourself for the worst,” wrote Pat Houston.
She added fans should not be surprised about the film – titled Whitney – happening “without the family’s blessing and despite her mother’s request to not do this movie”.
Referring to the channel’s recent controversial films about singer Aaliyah, actress Brittany Murphy and the stars of Saved by the Bell, Pat Houston added: “It happens every day.”
Pat Houston’s statement was also highly critical of Angela Bassett’s involvement in the film, which focuses on a few years at the height of the singer’s career and marks the actress’s directorial debut.
“Misrepresenting the term friendship to advance an agenda is not only disrespectful and dishonest but a slap in the face to her true and loyal friends,” wrote Pat Houston.
“You should expect people will always rise to the occasion for prominence and profit – not love, respect or honor.”
Lifetime, whose film is told from the perspective of Whitney Huston’s ex-husband Bobby Brown, has so far made no comment on the statement.
A review from The Hollywood Reporter‘s Allison Keene praised Yaya DaCosta’s portrayal of Whitney Houston, but said “a more accurate title for the film would be Whitney and Bobby,” as the pair share equal screen time.
“The decision to focus just on Houston’s most meteorically successful years – where, for a little while, she probably was happy – makes Whitney a fairly flattering portrait that is only lightly a cautionary tale.
“The signs are there, but they are left to viewers to interpret.”
Writing for the Los Angeles Times, critic Robert Lloyd called it “a better-than-average Lifetime film” but said it “falls flat”.
Whitney Houston died in February 2012 at the age of 48 after accidentally drowning in a hotel bathtub in Los Angeles.
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Rihanna has revealed she has not been offered the role of Whitney Houston in a planned biopic of the late singer.
However, Rihanna, 24, admits she would love to play the role.
Rihanna says she would love to play Whitney Houston in a biopic, following her recent big screen debut in action movie Battleship.
Rihanna has revealed she has not been offered the role of Whitney Houston in a planned biopic of the late singer
“I haven’t heard anything about that. If I was going to do a biopic, it would have to be someone I admire and she is definitely one of those. I’ve heard all the rumors but that’s it,” showbizspy.com quoted Rihanna as saying.
Rihanna reveals she also wants to experiment with different genres in the cinema world.
“I would love to try comedy. That is something I would really like to have a go at,” the singer said.
Recent reports have suggested that Rihanna wants to play Whitney Houston in a possible biopic of the late singer, but daughter Bobbi Kristina Brown has reportedly stepped up to say that there’s only one person who can play that role – her.
While the film is purely speculative, sources close to Bobbi Kristina Brown told TMZ that the heiress feels she is the perfect person to play the part of Whitney Houston, and that no one knew her better.
The source adds that Bobbi Kristina Brown claims that if Eazy-E’s son can play him in a movie, she can play her mother.
Bobbi Kristina Brown wants to play Whitney Houston in a possible biopic of the late singer
Just last week it was announced that Bobbi Kristina Brown, 19, will have a recurring role on family friend Tyler Perry’s sitcom, For Better Or For Worse.
Even though no formal plans have been made, stars have been lining up for a chance to play Whitney Houston. Last week Rihanna was the favorite to head up a proposed feature, with Jordin Sparks, Jennifer Hudson and Brandy also up for consideration.
Rihanna has revealed that she would love to portray Whitney Houston if there is ever to be a biopic and a role to be played.
Recent reports abounded that record label executive Clive Davis was heading up efforts to make a biographical film to honor Whitney Houston, but he has since denied the rumors.
Rihanna was reportedly being considered for the role, but she recently revealed that she would “love” to portray the legend.
“That would be something that I would have to give my entire life to do because I would want to really pull it off,” Rihanna told The Press Association.
“That’s a huge, huge role and whoever does it has to do a good job.”
Rihanna says she would love to portray Whitney Houston if there is ever to be a biopic and a role to be played
Rihanna was on the short list of contenders for the role, along with Jennifer Hudson, Vivica Fox and Sparkle star Jordin Sparks. Brandy was also mentioned in some reports.
Though Rihanna may lack acting experience compared to the other candidates, she’s not completely new to the industry. She is set to debut her acting abilities in her first film, Battleship, alongside Alexander Skarsgard, Brooklyn Decker and Liam Neeson. The sci-fi thriller will be released in the U.S. in May.
But for Rihanna, portraying Whitney Houston is not so much about acting experience, but about the chance to represent her musical inspiration on the big screen.
“My first song that I remember falling in love with was a Whitney Houston song – I Will Always Love You,” Rihanna said.
“It was really inspiring and it made me develop a passion for music, so really she’s partly responsible for me being here in this industry.”
