Respect is in theaters and On Demand, and Jennifer Hudson stars as the Queen of Soul. The film covers Aretha Franklin’s life from childhood and the rise of her career through the live recording of Amazing Grace, Franklin’s gospel album, recorded in 1972. It provides the little-known back story and interesting details surrounding her family, relationships, and musical genius, which was already evident at the young age of 4.
Alcoholism is also part of the story. Franklin did not speak publicly about her drinking. However, her siblings and publicist said it was because of her drinking that she missed several shows. Her challenges with addiction were no secret and plagued her for several years. Franklin’s drinking caused her to fall off the stage and break her arm. Her sisters, who were on her team as backup singers, saw the damage first-hand. The Queen’s drinking-related self-sabotage and destruction are well documented in Respect. Friends, family, and her staff agree that Franklin turned to drinking to numb the pain from her abusive marriage.
According to the film Amazing Grace Franklin’s way of fighting her urge to drink all the time. Franklin is a preacher’s daughter, and the church has always been a part of her life. It got her through her rough childhood, and the church was where she turned when her drinking spiraled out of control.
Overcoming Alcoholism
With regard to Franklin’s alcohol abuse, the film leaves you hanging. But of course, The Sober Curator will not. Franklin was able to quit drinking in the ’70s and never picked it back up. She then went on to win 18 Grammys, become the first female inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and become the youngest to receive Kennedy Center honors at 52. Franklin was also an activist who spent her adult life campaigning for civil and women’s rights. All accolades are mentioned in the film. We think overcoming alcoholism is just as note-worthy.
Respect delivers an insightful, entertaining, and sometimes heartbreaking look into Franklin’s life and career from an all-star cast including Jennifer Hudson, Mary, J Blige, Queen Latifah, and Forest Whitaker. Hudson’s performance is creating Oscar buzz. So we’ll be watching for her nomination. Respect is a beautiful but sometimes uncomfortable, foot-tapping, music-filled ride. But settle in. It’s 2 hours and 25 minutes long. Luckily, I saw it at Cinepolis, where the food and drink service was directly next to my extremely comfortable theater reclining chair.
The Sobees Movie Night Score: 3.5 out of 5
The Sober Curator Pro Tips:
If you want more on Aretha Franklin’s life and career, tune in for Season 3 of National Geographic’s Genius. The 8-episode anthology series was released in March of this year. For more recovery-related movie recommendations, visit Movie Night with The Sober Curator.
MOVIE NIGHT with The Sober Curator: Because it’s movie night and the feelings right, it’s movie night! Since you’re not binging on alcohol and drugs anymore, you’re going to need other activities to fill your time. Especially considering we are in the middle of a global pandemic. Get your binge on with movies and TV series that The Sober Curator recommends.
Pop the popcorn, grab your fav alcohol-free bevie or make your favorite mocktail, dish out your favorite treats and sweets, and settle in for some good old-fashioned cinema entertainment.
A Disco Ball is Hundreds of Pieces of Broken Glass, Put Together to Make a Magical Ball of Light. You are NOT Broken, Friend. You are a DISCO BALL!
Resources Are Available
If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties surrounding alcoholism, addiction, or mental illness, please reach out and ask for help. People everywhere can and want to help; you just have to know where to look. And continue to look until you find what works for you. Click here for a list of regional and national resources.
