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{{short description|American biographical drama film by Liesl Tommy}}
{{Short description|American biographical musical drama film by Liesl Tommy}}
{{use mdy dates|date=September 2024}}
{{About|the American film|text=For the Marathi film released the same year, see the film's director [[Kishor Pandurang Belekar]]}}
{{Infobox film
{{Infobox film
| name = Respect
| name = Respect
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| editing = Avril Beukes
| editing = Avril Beukes
| studio = {{Plainlist|
| studio = {{Plainlist|
* [[Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer]]
* [[Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures]]
* [[Bron Studios|Bron Creative]]
* [[Bron Studios|Bron Creative]]
* [[Jonathan Glickman|Glickmania]]
* [[Jonathan Glickman|Glickmania]]
* One Community
* One Community
}}
}}
| distributor = {{Plainlist|
| distributor = [[United Artists Releasing]]
* [[United Artists Releasing]] (United States)
* [[Universal Pictures]] (International)
}}
| released = {{Film date|2021|08|08|[[Los Angeles]]|ref1=<ref name="bossip" />|2021|08|13|United States}}
| released = {{Film date|2021|08|08|[[Los Angeles]]|ref1=<ref name="bossip" />|2021|08|13|United States}}
| runtime = 145 minutes<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/respect|title=Respect - Movie Review|date=June 9, 2021|website=www.commonsensemedia.org}}</ref>
| runtime = 145 minutes<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/respect|title=Respect - Movie Review|date=June 9, 2021|website=www.commonsensemedia.org}}</ref>
Line 45: Line 44:
| language = English
| language = English
| budget = $55 million<ref name=VarietyPreview/>
| budget = $55 million<ref name=VarietyPreview/>
| gross = $31.8 million<ref name=NUM>{{Cite The Numbers |title=Respect (2021) - Financial Information |id=Respect-(2020)|access-date=November 6, 2021}}</ref><ref name=BOM>{{Cite Box Office Mojo |title=Respect (2021) |id=2452150 |access-date=October 13, 2021}}</ref>
| gross = $32.9 million<ref name=NUM>{{Cite The Numbers |title=Respect (2021) - Financial Information |id=Respect-(2020)|access-date=November 6, 2021}}</ref><ref name=BOM>{{Cite Box Office Mojo |title=Respect (2021) |id=2452150 |access-date=October 13, 2021}}</ref>
}}
}}


'''''Respect''''' is a 2021 American [[Biographical film|biographical]] [[Musical film|musical]] [[Drama (film and television)|drama]] film directed by [[Liesl Tommy]] (in her feature [[directorial debut]]), written by [[Tracey Scott Wilson]], [[Callie Khouri]], and is based on the life of American singer [[Aretha Franklin]]. The film stars [[Jennifer Hudson]] as Franklin, with [[Forest Whitaker]], [[Marlon Wayans]], [[Audra McDonald]], [[Marc Maron]], [[Tituss Burgess]], and [[Mary J. Blige]] in supporting roles. The film follows the first two decades of Franklin's life, from being born as a musical prodigy in an affluent [[African-American]] family, the effect of losing her mother at age 10 to her arduous rise to international musical stardom, while enduring an abusive marriage, ultimately concluding with the recording of her influential live album ''[[Amazing Grace (Aretha Franklin album)|Amazing Grace]]'' (1972).
'''''Respect''''' is a 2021 American [[Biographical film|biographical]] [[Musical film|musical]] [[Drama (film and television)|drama]] film directed by [[Liesl Tommy]] (in her feature [[directorial debut]]), written by [[Tracey Scott Wilson]] and [[Callie Khouri]], based on the life of American singer [[Aretha Franklin]]. The film stars [[Jennifer Hudson]] as Franklin, with [[Forest Whitaker]], [[Marlon Wayans]], [[Audra McDonald]], [[Marc Maron]], [[Tituss Burgess]], and [[Mary J. Blige]] in supporting roles. The film follows the first three decades of Franklin's life, from being born as a musical prodigy in an affluent [[African-American]] family, the repercussions of losing her mother at age 10 to her arduous rise to international musical stardom, while enduring an abusive marriage, ultimately concluding with the recording of her influential live album ''[[Amazing Grace (Aretha Franklin album)|Amazing Grace]]'' (1972).


A film on Franklin's life was in development for a long time with Franklin herself involved in the pre-production, however the film languished in [[development hell]] for years due to lack of finding a suitable candidate. Following release of the musical film ''[[Dreamgirls (film)|Dreamgirls]]'' (2006), Franklin asked Hudson to play her but didn't finalize her decision until seeing her in the Broadway musical ''[[The Color Purple (musical)|The Color Purple]]''. The film began production in early 2019 and had concluded by February 2020. The film is dedicated to Franklin who died in 2018.
A film on Franklin's life was in development for a long time with Franklin herself involved in the pre-production, however the film languished in [[development hell]] for years due to lack of finding a suitable candidate. Following release of the musical film ''[[Dreamgirls (film)|Dreamgirls]]'' (2006), Franklin asked Hudson to play her but did not finalize her decision until seeing her in the Broadway musical ''[[The Color Purple (musical)|The Color Purple]]''. The film began production in early 2019 and had concluded by February 2020. The film is dedicated to Franklin, who died in 2018.


After much delay and postponement, due to the burgeoning [[COVID-19 pandemic]], ''Respect'' premiered in Los Angeles on August 8, 2021,<ref name="bossip">{{Cite web |date=August 9, 2021 |url=https://bossip.com/2034604/respect-jennifer-hudson-red-carpet/ |title=Put Some "Respect" On Her Name! Actress And Executive Producer Jennifer Hudson Shines At Premiere Of Aretha Franklin Biopic }}</ref> 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 over $31 million and received generally positive reviews from critics, with praise for the performances, the film's production values and costume design, but received criticism for its formulaic screenplay and long runtime.
After much delay and postponement, due to the burgeoning [[COVID-19 pandemic]], ''Respect'' premiered in Los Angeles on August 8, 2021,<ref name="bossip">{{Cite web |date=August 9, 2021 |url=https://bossip.com/2034604/respect-jennifer-hudson-red-carpet/ |title=Put Some "Respect" On Her Name! Actress And Executive Producer Jennifer Hudson Shines At Premiere Of Aretha Franklin Biopic }}</ref> 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 received generally positive reviews from critics, with praise for the performances, the film's production values, and costume design, but received criticism for its screenplay and long running time.


==Plot==
==Plot==
<!--per [[WP:FILMPLOT]], plot summaries should be between 400 and 700 words-->
<!--per [[WP:FILMPLOT]], plot summaries should be between 400 and 700 words-->
In 1952, 10-year-old [[Aretha Franklin]] lives with her [[Baptist]] pastor father, [[C. L. Franklin|C.L.]] and her sisters [[Erma Franklin|Erma]] and [[Carolyn Franklin|Carolyn]] in [[Detroit]], [[Michigan]]. The sudden death of her mother [[Barbara Siggers Franklin|Barbara]] traumatizes Aretha and, as a result, she is unwilling to speak until her father forces her to sing at church after weeks.
In 1952, 10-year-old [[Aretha Franklin]] lives with her father [[C. L. Franklin|C.L.]], pastor of [[Detroit]]’s largest Baptist church, and her siblings Cecil, [[Erma Franklin|Erma]], and [[Carolyn Franklin|Carolyn]]. Aretha’s father often has her sing for parties at their home, while her mother [[Barbara Siggers Franklin|Barbara]], separated from C.L., encourages her independence. The predatory actions of a family friend, combined with the sudden death of Barbara, traumatize Aretha, who ceases to speak for weeks until her father demands that she sing at church.


Seven years later, Aretha, now a teen mother of two boys, meets [[Ted White (manager)|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 (record producer)|John Hammond]]. After being offered a contract, Aretha begins to sing jazz records with Columbia, including "[[Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive]]."
Seven years later, Aretha is a teen mother of two boys, but refuses to name their father. Touring as a gospel singer with family friend [[Martin Luther King Jr.]], she meets local producer [[Ted White (manager)|Ted White]], but C.L. warns him to stay away. C.L. surprises Aretha with a meeting with [[Columbia Records]] executive [[John Hammond (record producer)|John Hammond]]. She accepts a contract to record jazz standards, 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, 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.
Four albums later, Aretha lacks a signature hit. At a club, she attempts to honor family friend [[Dinah Washington]] by performing one of Dinah’s songs; outraged, Dinah advises Aretha to find songs that move her. Struggling with the controlling influence of her father, Aretha begins a relationship with Ted. She brings him home to meet her family, leading C.L. to nearly shoot him, but announces Ted as her manager.


Two years later, 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.
Two years later, Ted and Aretha are married with a child. After nine albums with no real success, Aretha is dropped by Columbia. Ted secures a deal with veteran producer [[Jerry Wexler]] of [[Atlantic Records]], who introduces her to a group of white musicians in [[Muscle Shoals]] in 1967. There, Aretha records "[[I Never Loved A Man (The Way I Love You)]]", but a jealous Ted becomes violent with her.


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 (song)|Respect]]," and it becomes a #1 single.
Returning to Detroit with a black eye, Aretha reconnects with her family. Realizing her song has been released, becoming her first hit, Aretha takes a more hands-on role in her career. She makes her sisters her new backup singers and, despite their misgivings, reunites with Ted. Aretha and Carolyn are inspired to re-arrange [[Otis Redding]]'s "[[Respect (song)|Respect]]"; their version becomes a #1 single, launching Aretha to stardom by her 25th birthday.


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)|''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.
At a Detroit concert, Dr. King honors Aretha for her support of the Civil Rights Movement, proclaiming February 16 "Aretha Franklin Day". She has another signature hit, "[[(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman]]", but her career is complicated by Ted's increasingly volatile behavior. Embarking on a European tour in 1968, Aretha is confronted with a [[Time (magazine)|''Time'' magazine]] cover story about Ted's abuse, and finally casts him out of her life.


After the breakdown of her marriage to Ted, Aretha begins dating her tour manager Ken Cunningham, and eventually has her fourth child. Another seven years later, after learning of [[Assassination of Martin Luther King Jr.|Dr. King's 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 [[Paraclete|the spirit]].
Dating her tour manager Ken Cunningham, Aretha eventually has her fourth child. In the wake of [[Assassination of Martin Luther King Jr.|Dr. King's assassination]], Aretha's father drunkenly argues with her over the direction of the Movement, telling her that she no longer walks in [[Paraclete|the Spirit]]. Aretha continues to release hits but overworks herself, coping with the pressure through alcohol, and rejects her family's attempts to help her.


During a performance in [[Columbus, Georgia]], a drunken Aretha falls from the stage. On a downward spiral and estranged from Ken and her family, she is consoled by a vision of her late mother. Aretha finds the strength to quit drinking, leading Ken to reconcile with her, and returns to her gospel roots. She approaches Wexler with the idea to produce her own gospel album, and he agrees on the condition that the recording of the album be filmed for a documentary.
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 (Aretha Franklin album)|Amazing Grace]]'', which became the highest-selling album of her career with over two million copies sold in the United States and earned a double platinum certification.
Beginning rehearsals, Aretha confides in family friend [[James Cleveland]], now a respected gospel artist. The day of the album's recording, her father arrives to reconcile with her. The service begins and, with her family in attendance, Aretha sings her arrangement of the hymn, ''[[Amazing Grace (Aretha Franklin album)|Amazing Grace]].'' An epilogue reveals Aretha Franklin's legacy as a world-famous artist and the “Queen of Soul”.


==Cast==
==Cast==
{{cast listing|
* [[Jennifer Hudson]] as [[Aretha Franklin]]<ref name="vty"/>
* [[Jennifer Hudson]] as [[Aretha Franklin]]<ref name="vty"/>
** Skye Dakota Turner as young Aretha Franklin
**Skye Dakota Turner as young Aretha
* [[Forest Whitaker]] as [[C. L. Franklin]], Aretha's father
* [[Forest Whitaker]] as [[C. L. Franklin]], Aretha's father
* [[Marlon Wayans]] as [[Ted White (manager)|Ted White]], Aretha's abusive husband and manager
* [[Marlon Wayans]] as [[Ted White (manager)|Ted White]], Aretha's abusive husband and manager
Line 90: Line 88:
* [[Mary J. Blige]] as [[Dinah Washington]]
* [[Mary J. Blige]] as [[Dinah Washington]]
* Kelvin Hair as [[Sam Cooke]]
* Kelvin Hair as [[Sam Cooke]]
* [[Myk Watford]] as [[Rick Hall]]
* [[Heather Headley]] as [[Clara Ward]]
* [[Heather Headley]] as [[Clara Ward]]
* Lodric D. Collins as [[Smokey Robinson]]<ref name="deadline"/>
* Lodric D. Collins as [[Smokey Robinson]]<ref name="deadline"/>
* Gilbert Glenn Brown as [[Martin Luther King Jr.]]
* Gilbert Glenn Brown as [[Martin Luther King Jr.]]
* Brenda Nicole Moorer as Brenda Franklin-Corbett, Aretha's cousin
* Brenda Nicole Moorer as Brenda Franklin-Corbett, Aretha's cousin
* [[Jelani Alladin]] as Jason
}}


==Production==
==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.<ref name="vty">{{cite news|author=Chris Willman |url=https://variety.com/2018/music/news/aretha-franklin-films-biopic-amazing-grace-jennifer-hudson-1202909105/ |title=Aretha's Films: Whither Her Jennifer Hudson Biopic, 'Amazing Grace'? |work=Variety |date=2018-08-17 |access-date=March 11, 2020}}</ref> She stated that Hudson would win an [[Oscar award|Oscar]] for the portrayal.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-07-30 |author=Samantha Ibrahim |title=Aretha Franklin said Jennifer Hudson would win an Oscar for playing her |url=https://nypost.com/2021/07/30/aretha-franklin-said-jennifer-hudson-would-win-oscar-for-playing-her/ |newspaper=[[The New York Post]] |access-date=2021-10-08 }}</ref> In January 2019, [[Liesl Tommy]] was set to direct the film.<ref>{{cite news |first=Dave |last=McNary |url=https://variety.com/2019/film/news/mgm-aretha-franklin-biopic-respect-draws-liesl-tommy-1203104622/ |title=Aretha Franklin Biopic 'Respect' Taps Director |work=Variety |date=January 10, 2019 |access-date=March 5, 2020}}</ref> The rest of the cast was added in October 2019, including [[Forest Whitaker]], [[Marlon Wayans]], [[Audra McDonald]] and [[Mary J. Blige]].<ref name="deadline">{{cite news|first=Anthony |last=D&#039;Alessandro |url=https://deadline.com/2019/10/respect-mgm-aretha-franklin-biopic-rounds-out-cast-with-forest-whitaker-marlon-wayans-mary-j-blige-more-1202763774/ |title='Respect': MGM Aretha Franklin Biopic Casts Forest Whitaker; Marlon Wayans, Mary J. Blige & More |work=Deadline |date=October 18, 2019 |access-date=March 5, 2020}}</ref>
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.<ref name="vty">{{cite news|first=Chris |last=Willman |url=https://variety.com/2018/music/news/aretha-franklin-films-biopic-amazing-grace-jennifer-hudson-1202909105/ |title=Aretha's Films: Whither Her Jennifer Hudson Biopic, 'Amazing Grace'? |work=Variety |date=2018-08-17 |access-date=March 11, 2020}}</ref> She stated that Hudson would win an [[Oscar award|Oscar]] for the portrayal.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-07-30 |first=Samantha |last=Ibrahim |title=Aretha Franklin said Jennifer Hudson would win an Oscar for playing her |url=https://nypost.com/2021/07/30/aretha-franklin-said-jennifer-hudson-would-win-oscar-for-playing-her/ |newspaper=[[The New York Post]] |access-date=2021-10-08 }}</ref> In January 2019, [[Liesl Tommy]] was set to direct the film.<ref>{{cite news |first=Dave |last=McNary |url=https://variety.com/2019/film/news/mgm-aretha-franklin-biopic-respect-draws-liesl-tommy-1203104622/ |title=Aretha Franklin Biopic 'Respect' Taps Director |work=Variety |date=January 10, 2019 |access-date=March 5, 2020}}</ref> The rest of the cast was added in October 2019, including [[Forest Whitaker]], [[Marlon Wayans]], [[Audra McDonald]] and [[Mary J. Blige]].<ref name="deadline">{{cite news|first=Anthony |last=D'Alessandro |url=https://deadline.com/2019/10/respect-mgm-aretha-franklin-biopic-rounds-out-cast-with-forest-whitaker-marlon-wayans-mary-j-blige-more-1202763774/ |title=''Respect'': MGM Aretha Franklin Biopic Casts Forest Whitaker; Marlon Wayans, Mary J. Blige & More |work=Deadline |date=October 18, 2019 |access-date=March 5, 2020}}</ref>


In a June 2019 slate deal, MGM added [[Bron Studios|Bron Creative]] as a co-financing and producing company to this film.<ref>{{cite news |last=Moreau |first=Jordan |title=MGM and Bron Creative Enter $100 Million Co-Financing Deal |url=https://variety.com/2019/film/news/mgm-bron-creative-co-financing-deal-1203234526/ |access-date=December 2, 2019 |work=Variety |date=June 6, 2019 |language=en}}</ref> Filming began in Atlanta, [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]], on September 2, 2019,<ref>{{cite news|first=Rodney |last=Ho |title=Aretha Franklin biopic 'Respect' starring Jennifer Hudson shooting in Georgia |url=https://www.ajc.com/blog/radiotvtalk/exclusive-aretha-franklin-biopic-respect-starring-jennifer-hudson-shooting-georgia/yHWU4DJcGJCxvXL2VmKCXN/ |work=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution |date=September 10, 2019 |access-date=March 5, 2020}}</ref> and wrapped on February 15, 2020.<ref>{{cite news|first=Anita |last=Bennett |url=https://deadline.com/2020/02/jennifer-hudson-wraps-production-aretha-franklin-biopic-respect-1202860933/ |title=Jennifer Hudson Wraps Production On Aretha Franklin Biopic 'Respect' |work=Deadline |date=February 15, 2020 |access-date=March 5, 2020}}</ref> [[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.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Lang |first1=Brent |last2=Kroll |first2=Justin |title=Michael De Luca to Replace Jonathan Glickman at MGM |url=https://variety.com/2020/film/news/jonathan-glickman-mgm-bond-michael-de-luca-1203456176/ |access-date=March 5, 2020 |work=Variety |date=January 3, 2020 |language=en}}</ref>
In a June 2019 slate deal, MGM added [[Bron Studios|Bron Creative]] as a co-financing and producing company to this film.<ref>{{cite news |last=Moreau |first=Jordan |title=MGM and Bron Creative Enter $100 Million Co-Financing Deal |url=https://variety.com/2019/film/news/mgm-bron-creative-co-financing-deal-1203234526/ |access-date=December 2, 2019 |work=Variety |date=June 6, 2019 |language=en}}</ref> Filming began in Atlanta, [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]], on September 2, 2019,<ref>{{cite news|first=Rodney |last=Ho |title=Aretha Franklin biopic 'Respect' starring Jennifer Hudson shooting in Georgia |url=https://www.ajc.com/blog/radiotvtalk/exclusive-aretha-franklin-biopic-respect-starring-jennifer-hudson-shooting-georgia/yHWU4DJcGJCxvXL2VmKCXN/ |work=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution |date=September 10, 2019 |access-date=March 5, 2020}}</ref> and wrapped on February 15, 2020.<ref>{{cite news|first=Anita |last=Bennett |url=https://deadline.com/2020/02/jennifer-hudson-wraps-production-aretha-franklin-biopic-respect-1202860933/ |title=Jennifer Hudson Wraps Production On Aretha Franklin Biopic 'Respect' |work=Deadline |date=February 15, 2020 |access-date=March 5, 2020}}</ref> [[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.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Lang |first1=Brent |last2=Kroll |first2=Justin |title=Michael De Luca to Replace Jonathan Glickman at MGM |url=https://variety.com/2020/film/news/jonathan-glickman-mgm-bond-michael-de-luca-1203456176/ |access-date=March 5, 2020 |work=Variety |date=January 3, 2020 |language=en}}</ref>


==Soundtrack==
===Music===
{{main|Respect (soundtrack)}}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]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/respect-original-motion-picture-soundtrack-mw0003528226?1629509308199|title=Respect [Original Motion Picture Soundtrack] - Jennifer Hudson|first=Andy|last=Kellman|work=[[Allmusic]]|access-date=August 21, 2021}}</ref> and produced by [[will.i.am]] and [[Johnny Goldstein]], the song was released on June 18, 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.qobuz.com/fr-fr/album/respect-original-motion-picture-soundtrack-jennifer-hudson/zksixnihqixpc|title=Album RESPECT (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) de Jennifer Hudson &#124; Qobuz : téléchargez et streamez en haute qualité|website=Qobuz}}</ref> "Here I Am (Singing My Way Home)" peaked at number 21 on the ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' [[Adult R&B Songs]] chart dated August 28, 2021.<ref name="US-Adult R&B">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/jennifer-hudson/chart-history/rba/|title=Jennifer Hudson Chart History (Adult R&B Songs)|publisher=Nielsen Business Media|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|access-date=August 23, 2021}}</ref> The soundtrack album was released on August 13 via [[Epic Records]].<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/9587862/jennifer-hudson-carole-king-aretha-franklin-biopic-respect-exclusive/|title=Jennifer Hudson, Carole King Co-Write Original Song for Aretha Franklin Biopic 'Respect': Exclusive|date=June 16, 2021|first=Gail|last=Mitchell|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|access-date=June 19, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/jennifer-hudson-carole-king-new-song-aretha-franklin-biopic-1185276/|title=Jennifer Hudson, Carole King Collaborate on New Song for Aretha Franklin Biopic, 'Here I Am (Singing My Way Home)'|date=June 18, 2021|first=Jon|last=Blistein|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|access-date=June 19, 2021}}</ref>
{{Infobox album
| name = Respect
| type = soundtrack
| artist = [[Jennifer Hudson]]
| released = August 13, 2021
| recorded =
| studio = {{flatlist|
* [[FAME Studios|Fame Recording Studios]] (Muscle Shoals)
* Saturn Sound (Los Angeles)
* The Light House (Los Angeles)
* [[Westlake Studios]] (Los Angeles)
}}
| genre =
* [[Soul music|Soul]]
* [[Rhythm and blues|R&B]]
* [[Gospel music|gospel]]
| length = 58:39
| label = {{hlist|[[Epic Records|Epic]]|[[MGM Records|MGM]]}}
| producer = {{hlist|[[Stephen Bray]]|Jason Michael Webb|[[will.i.am]]|[[Johnny Goldstein]]}}
| prev_title = [[JHUD]]
| prev_year = 2014
| next_title =
| next_year =
| misc = {{Singles
| name = Respect
| type = Soundtrack
| single1 = Here I Am (Singing My Way Home)
| single1date = 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]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/respect-original-motion-picture-soundtrack-mw0003528226?1629509308199|title=Respect [Original Motion Picture Soundtrack] - Jennifer Hudson|first=Andy|last=Kellman|work=[[Allmusic]]|access-date=August 21, 2021}}</ref> and produced by [[will.i.am]] and [[Johnny Goldstein]], the song was released on June 18, 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.qobuz.com/fr-fr/album/respect-original-motion-picture-soundtrack-jennifer-hudson/zksixnihqixpc|title=Album RESPECT (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) de Jennifer Hudson &#124; Qobuz : téléchargez et streamez en haute qualité|website=Qobuz}}</ref> "Here I Am (Singing My Way Home)" peaked at number 21 on the ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' [[Adult R&B Songs]] chart dated August 28, 2021.<ref name="US-Adult R&B">{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/jennifer-hudson/chart-history/rba/|title=Jennifer Hudson Chart History (Adult R&B Songs)|publisher=Nielsen Business Media|work=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|access-date=August 23, 2021}}</ref> The soundtrack album was released on August 13 via [[Epic Records]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/9587862/jennifer-hudson-carole-king-aretha-franklin-biopic-respect-exclusive/|title=Jennifer Hudson, Carole King Co-Write Original Song for Aretha Franklin Biopic 'Respect': Exclusive|date=June 16, 2021|first=Gail|last=Mitchell|work=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|access-date=June 19, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/jennifer-hudson-carole-king-new-song-aretha-franklin-biopic-1185276/|title=Jennifer Hudson, Carole King Collaborate on New Song for Aretha Franklin Biopic, 'Here I Am (Singing My Way Home)'|date=June 18, 2021|first=Jon|last=Blistein|work=[[Rolling Stone]]|access-date=June 19, 2021}}</ref>

===Track listing===

{{Track listing
| extra_column =

| title1 = [[There is a fountain filled with blood|There Is a Fountain Filled with Blood]]
| writer1 = [[William Cowper]], [[Lowell Mason]]
| length1 = 2:53

| title2 = [[Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive]]
| writer2 = [[Harold Arlen]], [[Johnny Mercer]]
| length2 = 2:20

| title3 = [[Nature Boy]]
| writer3 = [[Eden Ahbez]]
| length3 = 3:13

| title4 = [[I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)]]
| writer4 = Ronnie Shannon
| length4 = 3:56

| title5 = [[Do Right Woman, Do Right Man]]
| writer5 = [[Chips Moman]], [[Dan Penn]]
| length5 = 3:13

| title6 = Dr. Feelgood
| writer6 = [[Aretha Franklin]], [[Ted White (manager)|Ted White]]
| length6 = 3:24

| title7 = [[Respect (Otis Redding song)|Respect]]
| writer7 = [[Otis Redding]]
| length7 = 3:42

| title8 = [[(Sweet Sweet Baby) Since You've Been Gone]]
| writer8 = Aretha Franklin, Ted White
| length8 = 2:26

| title9 = [[Ain't No Way]]
| writer9 = [[Carolyn Franklin]]
| length9 = 4:16

| title10 = [[(You Make Me Feel Like A) Natural Woman]]
| writer10 = [[Gerry Goffin]], Carole King, [[Jerry Wexler]]
| length10 = 3:07

| title11 = [[Chain of Fools]]
| writer11 = [[Don Covay]]
| length11 = 2:29

| title12 = [[Think (Aretha Franklin song)|Think]]
| writer12 = Aretha Franklin, Ted White
| length12 = 1:49

| title13 = [[Take My Hand, Precious Lord]]
| writer13 = [[Rev. Thomas A. Dorsey]]
| length13 = 2:18

| title14 = [[Spanish Harlem (song)|Spanish Harlem]]
| writer14 = [[Jerry Leiber]], [[Phil Spector]]
| length14 = 3:38

| title15 = [[I Say a Little Prayer]]
| writer15 = [[Burt Bacharach]], [[Hal David]]
| length15 = 3:41

| title16 = [[Precious Memories (hymn)|Precious Memories]]
| writer16 = J.B.F. Wright
| length16 = 1:57

| title17 = [[Amazing Grace]]
| writer17 = Traditional
| length17 = 5:03

| title18 = Here I Am (Singing My Way Home)
| writer18 = Jamie Hartman, Jennifer Hudson, Carole King
| length18 = 5:14

| total_length = 58:39
}}

===Charts===
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|+ Chart performance for ''Respect''
! scope="col" |Chart (2021)
! scope="col" |Peak<br/>position
|-
{{album chart|Switzerland|93|artist=Soundtrack / Jennifer Hudson|album=Respect|rowheader=true|access-date=August 30, 2021}}
|-
{{album chart|UKDigital|33|date=20210820|rowheader=true|access-date=August 21, 2021}}
|-
{{album chart|UKSoundtrack|6|date=20210820|rowheader=true|access-date=August 21, 2021}}
|-
{{album chart|Billboard200|151|artist=Jennifer Hudson|rowheader=true|access-date=August 24, 2021}}
|-
{{album chart|BillboardSoundtrack|2|artist=Jennifer Hudson|rowheader=true|access-date=August 24, 2021}}
|-
{{album chart|BillboardRandB|16|artist=Jennifer Hudson|rowheader=true|access-date=August 24, 2021}}
|}


==Release==
==Release==
''Respect'' premiered in Los Angeles on August 8, 2021, and was theatrically released in the United States on August 13, 2021.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.thewrap.com/aretha-franklin-biopic-respect-pushed-7-months-tomb-raider-2-now-unset/ |title= Aretha Franklin Biopic 'Respect' Pushed 7 Months, 'Tomb Raider 2' Now Unset |website= [[TheWrap]] |author = Beatrice Verhoeven |date=October 27, 2020|access-date=October 27, 2020}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2020/03/respect-jennifer-hudson-aretha-franklin-biopic-christmas-day-opening-1202893314/|title=Aretha Franklin Biopic 'Respect' Heads To Christmas For Awards Season Rollout|last=D'Alessandro|first=Anthony|date=March 26, 2020|website=Deadline|language=en|access-date=March 26, 2020}}</ref> Due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], it was switched to a sole wide release on January 15, without a limited release,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2020/07/aretha-franklin-biopic-respect-going-wide-over-mlk-weekend-instead-of-christmas-platform-release-1202992194/|title=Aretha Franklin Biopic 'Respect' Going Wide Over MLK Weekend Instead Of Christmas Platform Release|website=Deadline Hollywood|first=Anthony|last=D'Alessandro|date=July 22, 2020|access-date=July 22, 2020}}</ref> before it was delayed again to August 2021. Previous release dates also included August 14, 2020, and October 9.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2019/12/jennifer-hudson-respect-aretha-franklin-biopic-teaser-trailer-first-look-1202814813/|title=Jennifer Hudson Demands R-E-S-P-E-C-T In First-Look Aretha Franklin Biopic Footage|last=Evans|first=Greg|date=December 20, 2019|website=Deadline|language=en|access-date=March 26, 2020}}</ref>
''Respect'' premiered in Los Angeles on August 8, 2021, and was theatrically released in the United States on August 13, 2021.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.thewrap.com/aretha-franklin-biopic-respect-pushed-7-months-tomb-raider-2-now-unset/ |title= Aretha Franklin Biopic 'Respect' Pushed 7 Months, 'Tomb Raider 2' Now Unset |website= [[TheWrap]] |first = Beatrice |last=Verhoeven |date=October 27, 2020|access-date=October 27, 2020}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2020/03/respect-jennifer-hudson-aretha-franklin-biopic-christmas-day-opening-1202893314/|title=Aretha Franklin Biopic 'Respect' Heads To Christmas For Awards Season Rollout|last=D'Alessandro|first=Anthony|date=March 26, 2020|website=Deadline|language=en|access-date=March 26, 2020}}</ref> Due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], it was switched to a sole wide release on January 15, without a limited release,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2020/07/aretha-franklin-biopic-respect-going-wide-over-mlk-weekend-instead-of-christmas-platform-release-1202992194/|title=Aretha Franklin Biopic 'Respect' Going Wide Over MLK Weekend Instead Of Christmas Platform Release|website=Deadline Hollywood|first=Anthony|last=D'Alessandro|date=July 22, 2020|access-date=July 22, 2020}}</ref> before it was delayed again to August 2021. Previous release dates also included August 14, 2020, and October 9.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2019/12/jennifer-hudson-respect-aretha-franklin-biopic-teaser-trailer-first-look-1202814813/|title=Jennifer Hudson Demands R-E-S-P-E-C-T In First-Look Aretha Franklin Biopic Footage|last=Evans|first=Greg|date=December 20, 2019|website=Deadline|language=en|access-date=March 26, 2020}}</ref>


The film screened at the [[74th Locarno Film Festival]], in the Piazza Grande section to be held from August 4 to 14.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2021/07/locarno-unveils-2021-line-up-abel-ferraras-ethan-hawke-starrer-zeros-and-ones-to-world-premiere-1234784724/ |title= Locarno Unveils 2021 Line-Up: Abel Ferrara's Ethan Hawke-Starrer 'Zeros And Ones' To World Premiere |first= Tom |last= Grater|website= Deadline |date= July 1, 2021 |access-date= July 2, 2021 }}</ref>
The film screened at the [[74th Locarno Film Festival]], in the Piazza Grande section to be held from August 4 to 14.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2021/07/locarno-unveils-2021-line-up-abel-ferraras-ethan-hawke-starrer-zeros-and-ones-to-world-premiere-1234784724/ |title= Locarno Unveils 2021 Line-Up: Abel Ferrara's Ethan Hawke-Starrer 'Zeros And Ones' To World Premiere |first= Tom |last= Grater|website= Deadline |date= July 1, 2021 |access-date= July 2, 2021 }}</ref>

===Home media===
The film was released digitally on August 27, 2021, and on [[Blu-ray]] and [[DVD]] by [[Universal Pictures Home Entertainment]] on November 9, 2021.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.blu-ray.com/Respect/1233503/ | title=Respect (2021) }}</ref>


==Reception==
==Reception==


===Box office===
===Box office===
{{As of|2021|10|20|df=US}}, ''Respect'' has grossed $24.3 million in the United States and Canada, and $7.2 million in other territories, for a worldwide total of $31.5 million.<ref name=BOM/><ref name=NUM/>
''Respect'' grossed $24.3 million in the United States and Canada, and $8.7 million in other territories, for a worldwide total of $33 million.<ref name=BOM/><ref name=NUM/>


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.<ref name=VarietyPreview>{{Cite web|last=Rubin|first=Rebecca|date=August 11, 2021|title= Disney's 'Free Guy' Is Playing Only in Theaters. Can That Help Ticket Sales? |url= https://variety.com/2021/film/box-office/ryan-reynolds-free-guy-box-office-opening-weekend-projections-1235038389/ |access-date=August 11, 2021|website=Variety}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/weekend/2021W33/?ref_=bo_hm_rw|title=Domestic 2021 Weekend 33|publisher=Box Office Mojo|accessdate=August 15, 2021}}</ref> 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.<ref name=opening>{{cite web |url= https://deadline.com/2021/08/ryan-reynolds-free-guy-weekend-box-office-1234814231/ |title= Ryan Reynolds' 'Free Guy' Is Alive At The Weekend B.O. Heading For $26M+ |date=August 15, 2021 |first=Anthony |last=D'Alessandro |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |access-date=August 15, 2021}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://deadline.com/2021/08/ryan-reynolds-free-guy-paw-patrol-weekend-box-office-1234819266/ |title= 'Free Guy' Posts Best Summer Second Weekend Hold During Pandemic; 'Paw Patrol' Arrests $13M – Sunday Box Office Update |date=August 22, 2021 |first=Anthony |last=D'Alessandro |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |access-date=August 22, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= https://deadline.com/2021/08/candyman-posts-sweet-thursday-night-with-1-9m-1234823246/ |title= 'Candyman' Makes The Box Office Taste Good With $22M+ Opening |date=August 29, 2021 |first=Anthony |last=D'Alessandro |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |access-date=August 29, 2021}}</ref>
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.<ref name=VarietyPreview>{{Cite web|last=Rubin|first=Rebecca|date=August 11, 2021|title= Disney's 'Free Guy' Is Playing Only in Theaters. Can That Help Ticket Sales? |url= https://variety.com/2021/film/box-office/ryan-reynolds-free-guy-box-office-opening-weekend-projections-1235038389/ |access-date=August 11, 2021|website=Variety}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/weekend/2021W33/?ref_=bo_hm_rw|title=Domestic 2021 Weekend 33|publisher=Box Office Mojo|accessdate=August 15, 2021}}</ref> 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.<ref name=opening>{{cite web |url= https://deadline.com/2021/08/ryan-reynolds-free-guy-weekend-box-office-1234814231/ |title= Ryan Reynolds' 'Free Guy' Is Alive At The Weekend B.O. Heading For $26M+ |date=August 15, 2021 |first=Anthony |last=D'Alessandro |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |access-date=August 15, 2021}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://deadline.com/2021/08/ryan-reynolds-free-guy-paw-patrol-weekend-box-office-1234819266/ |title= 'Free Guy' Posts Best Summer Second Weekend Hold During Pandemic; 'Paw Patrol' Arrests $13M – Sunday Box Office Update |date=August 22, 2021 |first=Anthony |last=D'Alessandro |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |access-date=August 22, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= https://deadline.com/2021/08/candyman-posts-sweet-thursday-night-with-1-9m-1234823246/ |title= 'Candyman' Makes The Box Office Taste Good With $22M+ Opening |date=August 29, 2021 |first=Anthony |last=D'Alessandro |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |access-date=August 29, 2021}}</ref>
Line 249: Line 121:


===Critical response===
===Critical response===
On [[Rotten Tomatoes]], the film holds an approval rating of {{RT data|score}} based on {{RT data|count}} reviews, with an average rating of {{RT data|average}}. 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''."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/respect_2021|title=Respect (2021)|website=[[Rotten Tomatoes]]|publisher=[[Fandango Media|Fandango]]|access-date={{RT data|access date}}}}{{RT data|edit}}</ref> On [[Metacritic]], the film has an aggregate score of 61 out of 100 based on 43 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews".<ref>{{cite web |title= Respect Reviews|url= https://www.metacritic.com/movie/respect |work=[[Metacritic]]|access-date=November 22, 2021}}</ref> 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.<ref name="opening" />
''Respect'' garnered mostly positive reviews with critics praising performances as well as the costume design and production design but criticized the screenwriters' formulaic approach to the narrative and its long runtime.
On [[Rotten Tomatoes]], the film holds an approval rating of 67% based on 181 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."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/respect_2021 |title=Respect (2021) |website=[[Rotten Tomatoes]] |publisher=[[Fandango (company)|Fandango]] |access-date=December 24, 2021}}</ref> On [[Metacritic]], the film has an aggregate score of 62 out of 100 based on 44 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews".<ref>{{cite web |title= Respect Reviews|url= https://www.metacritic.com/movie/respect |work=[[Metacritic]]|access-date=November 22, 2021}}</ref> 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.<ref name="opening" />


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."<ref>{{Cite news|last=Dargis|first=Manohla|date=August 12, 2021|title='Respect' Review: Giving a Queen Her Propers |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/12/movies/respect-review-aretha-franklin.html|access-date=August 14, 2021|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> 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 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."<ref>{{Cite web|last=Tallerico|first=Brian|date=August 13, 2021|title=Respect movie review (2021)|url= https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/respect-movie-review-2021 |access-date= August 15, 2021 |website=[[RogerEbert.com]]|language=en}}</ref>
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."<ref>{{Cite news|last=Dargis|first=Manohla|date=August 12, 2021|title='Respect' Review: Giving a Queen Her Propers |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/12/movies/respect-review-aretha-franklin.html|access-date=August 14, 2021|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> 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 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."<ref>{{Cite web|last=Tallerico|first=Brian|date=August 13, 2021|title=Respect movie review (2021)|url= https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/respect-movie-review-2021 |access-date= August 15, 2021 |website=[[RogerEbert.com]]|language=en}}</ref>


Writing for ''[[Variety (magazine)|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."<ref>{{Cite web |last= Debruge |first= Peter |date= August 8, 2021 |title= 'Respect' Review: Jennifer Hudson Gives Flattering Yet Flat Aretha Franklin Portrait |url= https://variety.com/2021/film/reviews/respect-review-jennifer-hudson-aretha-franklin-1235035155/ |access-date= August 13, 2021 |work= [[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] }}</ref> 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."<ref>{{Cite web|last= Da Costa|first= Cassie |date= August 8, 2021 |title=Jennifer Hudson's Aretha Franklin Biopic Deserves More Respect|url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2021/08/jennifer-hudsons-aretha-franklin-biopic-deserves-more-respect |access-date= August 16, 2021 |work= [[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref>
Writing for ''[[Variety (magazine)|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."<ref>{{Cite web |last= Debruge |first= Peter |date= August 8, 2021 |title= 'Respect' Review: Jennifer Hudson Gives Flattering Yet Flat Aretha Franklin Portrait |url= https://variety.com/2021/film/reviews/respect-review-jennifer-hudson-aretha-franklin-1235035155/ |access-date= August 13, 2021 |work= [[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] }}</ref> 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."<ref>{{Cite web|last= Da Costa|first= Cassie |date= August 8, 2021 |title=Jennifer Hudson's Aretha Franklin Biopic Deserves More Respect|url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2021/08/jennifer-hudsons-aretha-franklin-biopic-deserves-more-respect |access-date= August 16, 2021 |work= [[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref>


Pete Hammond of ''[[Deadline (magazine)|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."<ref>{{Cite web|last=Hammond|first=Pete|date=August 8, 2021|title='Respect' Review: Jennifer Hudson Electrifies In Role Aretha Franklin Personally Chose Her To Play|url=https://deadline.com/video/respect-review-jennifer-hudson-aretha-franklin-biopic/|access-date=August 9, 2021 |website=Deadline|language=en}}</ref> [[Sasha Stone (blogger)|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 an 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.
Pete Hammond of ''[[Deadline Hollywood|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."<ref>{{Cite web|last=Hammond|first=Pete|date=August 8, 2021|title='Respect' Review: Jennifer Hudson Electrifies In Role Aretha Franklin Personally Chose Her To Play|url=https://deadline.com/video/respect-review-jennifer-hudson-aretha-franklin-biopic/|access-date=August 9, 2021 |website=Deadline|language=en}}</ref> [[Sasha Stone (blogger)|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 an 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."<ref>{{Cite web|last=Stone|first=Sasha|date=August 14, 2021|title=Respect – Portrait of the Artist as the Queen of Soul (Review)|url=https://www.awardsdaily.com/2021/08/14/portrait-of-the-artist-as-the-queen-of-soul/|access-date=August 9, 2021 |website=Awards Daily|language=en}}</ref> Writing for ''[[Time (magazine)|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."<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Zacharek |first=Stephanie |date=August 14, 2021 |title=Jennifer Hudson Makes a Dazzling Aretha Franklin in the Satisfying and Potent Respect |url=https://time.com/6089994/jennifer-hudson-aretha-franklin-respect-review/ |magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] |access-date=October 1, 2021 }}</ref>


===Accolades===
==Accolades==
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|-
Line 268: Line 139:
! {{Abbreviation|Ref.}}
! {{Abbreviation|Ref.}}
|-
|-
|rowspan=12|2021
|rowspan=13|2021
|rowspan=2|[[African-American Film Critics Association]]
|rowspan=2|[[African-American Film Critics Association]]
|[[African-American Film Critics Association|Top 10 Films]]
|[[African-American Film Critics Association|Top 10 Films]]
|''Respect''
|''Respect''
|{{Won|3rd place}}
|{{Won|3rd place}}
|<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.deadline.com/2021/12/african-american-film-critics-2021-best-films-winners-1234887128/amp/|title=African American Film Critics Top 10 Films Led By 'The Harder They Fall', 'Respect', 'King Richard'|date=December 8, 2021 |publisher=[[Deadline Hollywood|Deadline]]}}</ref>
|<ref>{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2021/12/african-american-film-critics-2021-best-films-winners-1234887128/amp/|title=African American Film Critics Top 10 Films Led By 'The Harder They Fall', 'Respect', 'King Richard'|date=December 8, 2021 |publisher=[[Deadline Hollywood|Deadline]]}}</ref>
|-
|-
|[[African-American Film Critics Association|Best Actress]]
|[[African-American Film Critics Association|Best Actress]]
|[[Jennifer Hudson]]
|[[Jennifer Hudson]]
|{{Won}}
|{{Won}}
|<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.deadline.com/2022/01/will-smith-jennifer-hudson-winners-aafca-awards-1234913648/amp/|title=Will Smith, Jennifer Hudson, ‘The Harder They Fall’ Among Winners At AAFCA Awards|date=January 17, 2022 |publisher=[[Deadline Hollywood|Deadline]]}}</ref>
|<ref>{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2022/01/will-smith-jennifer-hudson-winners-aafca-awards-1234913648/amp/|title=Will Smith, Jennifer Hudson, 'The Harder They Fall' Among Winners At AAFCA Awards|date=January 17, 2022 |publisher=[[Deadline Hollywood|Deadline]]}}</ref>
|-
|-
|rowspan=2|Black Film Critics Circle
|rowspan=2|Black Film Critics Circle
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|''Respect''
|''Respect''
|{{Won|5th place}}
|{{Won|5th place}}
|Rowspan=2|<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.variety.com/2021/awards/news/black-film-critics-awards-winners-1235142112/amp/|title=‘King Richard,’ Will Smith and Tessa Thompson Win at Black Film Critics Awards|date=December 24, 2021 |publisher=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref>
|Rowspan=2|<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.variety.com/2021/awards/news/black-film-critics-awards-winners-1235142112/amp/|title='King Richard,' Will Smith and Tessa Thompson Win at Black Film Critics Awards|date=December 24, 2021 |publisher=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref>
|-
|-
|Best Actress
|Best Actress
|Rowspan=2|[[Jennifer Hudson]]
|Rowspan=3|[[Jennifer Hudson]]
|{{Draw|Runner-up}}
|{{Draw|Runner-up}}
|-
|[[Celebration of Cinema and Television#Celebration of Black Cinema and Television|4th Celebration of Black Cinema and Television]]
|Actress – Film
|{{won}}
|<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hammond |first=Pete |date=10 November 2022 |title=Will Smith, Ava DuVernay & Antoine Fuqua Among New Honorees For CCA's Celebration Of Black Cinema & Television |url=https://deadline.com/2021/11/will-smith-ava-duvernay-antoine-fuqua-celebration-black-cinema-television-1234871362/ |access-date=21 November 2023 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]}}</ref>
|-
|-
|[[Detroit Film Critics Society]]
|[[Detroit Film Critics Society]]
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| [[Harvey Mason Jr.]], Scott Bernstein, [[Jonathan Glickman]], [[Stacey Sher]], [[Jennifer Hudson]]
| [[Harvey Mason Jr.]], Scott Bernstein, [[Jonathan Glickman]], [[Stacey Sher]], [[Jennifer Hudson]]
| {{nom}}
| {{nom}}
|rowspan=3|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ew.com/awards/peoples-choice-awards-2021-nominees-list/|title=Here are the nominees for the 2021 People's Choice Awards|last=Lenker|first=Maureen Lee|date=October 27, 2021|work=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027155802/https://ew.com/awards/peoples-choice-awards-2021-nominees-list/|archive-date=October 27, 2021|access-date=October 27, 2021}}</ref>
|rowspan=3|<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/awards/peoples-choice-awards-2021-nominees-list/|title=Here are the nominees for the 2021 People's Choice Awards|last=Lenker|first=Maureen Lee|date=October 27, 2021|magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027155802/https://ew.com/awards/peoples-choice-awards-2021-nominees-list/|archive-date=October 27, 2021|access-date=October 27, 2021}}</ref>
|-
|-
| [[47th People's Choice Awards|The Female Movie Star of 2021]]
| [[47th People's Choice Awards|The Female Movie Star of 2021]]
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| Harvey Mason Jr., Scott Bernstein, Jonathan Glickman, [[Stacey Sher]]
| Harvey Mason Jr., Scott Bernstein, Jonathan Glickman, [[Stacey Sher]]
| {{nom}}
| {{nom}}
|rowspan=2|<ref>{{Cite press release |url=https://www.benzinga.com/content/22706052|title=Women's Image Network ANNOUNCES its 23rd WOMEN'S IMAGE AWARDS FILM & TELEVISION NOMINEES|work=Benzinga|access-date=2021-04-09 }}</ref>
|rowspan=2|<ref>{{Cite press release|url=https://www.benzinga.com/content/22706052|title=Women's Image Network ANNOUNCES its 23rd WOMEN'S IMAGE AWARDS FILM & TELEVISION NOMINEES|work=Benzinga|access-date=2021-04-09}}{{Dead link|date=December 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
|-
|-
| [[Women's Image Network Awards|Best Actress]]
| [[Women's Image Network Awards|Best Actress]]
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| [[NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Motion Picture|Outstanding Motion Picture]]
| [[NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Motion Picture|Outstanding Motion Picture]]
| [[Harvey Mason Jr.]], Scott Bernstein, [[Jonathan Glickman]], [[Stacey Sher]], [[Jennifer Hudson]]
| [[Harvey Mason Jr.]], Scott Bernstein, [[Jonathan Glickman]], [[Stacey Sher]], [[Jennifer Hudson]]
| {{Pending}}
|{{nom}}
|Rowspan=7|<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.awardsdaily.com/2022/01/18/the-naacp-announce-nominees/|title=The NAACP Announce Nominees – Respect, Jennifer Hudson Among Them|date=January 18, 2022 |publisher=[[Awards daily]]}}</ref>
|Rowspan=7|<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.awardsdaily.com/2022/01/18/the-naacp-announce-nominees/|title=The NAACP Announce Nominees – Respect, Jennifer Hudson Among Them|date=January 18, 2022 |publisher=[[Awards daily]]}}</ref>
|-
|-
|[[NAACP Image Award for Entertainer of the Year|Entertainer of the Year]]
|[[NAACP Image Award for Entertainer of the Year|Entertainer of the Year]]
|rowspan=2| Jennifer Hudson
|rowspan=2| Jennifer Hudson
| {{Pending}}
|{{won}}
|-
|-
|[[NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture|Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture]]
|[[NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture|Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture]]
| {{Pending}}
|{{Won}}
|-
|-
| [[NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture|Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture]]
| [[NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture|Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture]]
| [[Audra McDonald]]
| [[Audra McDonald]]
| {{Pending}}
|{{nom}}
|-
|-
| [[NAACP Image Awards|Outstanding Ensemble Cast in a Motion Picture]]
| [[NAACP Image Awards|Outstanding Ensemble Cast in a Motion Picture]]
| ''Respect''
| ''Respect''
| {{Pending}}
|{{nom}}
|-
|-
|[[NAACP Image Awards|Outstanding Breakthrough Creative (Motion Picture)]]
|[[NAACP Image Awards|Outstanding Breakthrough Creative (Motion Picture)]]
|[[Liesl Tommy]]
|[[Liesl Tommy]]
|{{Pending}}
|{{nom}}
|-
|-
| [[NAACP Image Awards|Outstanding Soundtrack/Compilation Album]]
| [[NAACP Image Awards|Outstanding Soundtrack/Compilation Album]]
|[[Stephen Bray]], Jason Michael Webb
|[[Stephen Bray]], Jason Michael Webb
| {{Pending}}
|{{nom}}
|-
|-
|[[Palm Springs International Film Festival]]
|[[Palm Springs International Film Festival]]
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| Jennifer Hudson
| Jennifer Hudson
| {{won}}
| {{won}}
|<ref>https://www.psfilmfest.org/news/palm-springs-international-film-awards-presents-jennifer-hudson-with-the-chairmans-award}}</ref>
|<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.psfilmfest.org/news/palm-springs-international-film-awards-presents-jennifer-hudson-with-the-chairmans-award |title=Palm Springs International Film Awards Presents Jennifer Hudson with the Chairman's Award |website=psfilmfest.org |date=2021-11-22}}</ref>
|-
|-
|Rowspan=3|[[26th Satellite Awards]]
|Rowspan=3|[[26th Satellite Awards]]
|[[Satellite Award for Best Film|Best Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical]]
|[[Satellite Award for Best Film|Best Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical]]
|Harvey Mason Jr., Scott Bernstein, Jonathan Glickman, Stacey Sher
|Harvey Mason Jr., Scott Bernstein, Jonathan Glickman, Stacey Sher
|{{Nominated}}
|{{nom}}
|Rowspan=3|<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pressacademy.com/news/belfast-the-power-of-the-dog-among-nominees-for-top-honors-at-26th-annual-satellite-awards/|title=BELFAST, THE POWER OF THE DOG, Among Nominees for Top Honors at 26th Annual Satellite™ Awards |last=Van Blaricom |first=Mirjana |date=November 30, 2021 |publisher=[[International Press Academy]] |access-date=December 1, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://awardswatch.com/belfast-the-power-of-the-dog-lead-26th-satellite-awards-nominations/|title='Belfast,' 'The Power of the Dog' lead 26th Satellite Awards nominations|last=Anderson |first=Erik |date=December 1, 2021 |publisher=AwardsWatch |access-date=December 1, 2021}}</ref>
|Rowspan=3|<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pressacademy.com/news/belfast-the-power-of-the-dog-among-nominees-for-top-honors-at-26th-annual-satellite-awards/|title=BELFAST, THE POWER OF THE DOG, Among Nominees for Top Honors at 26th Annual Satellite™ Awards |last=Van Blaricom |first=Mirjana |date=November 30, 2021 |publisher=[[International Press Academy]] |access-date=December 1, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://awardswatch.com/belfast-the-power-of-the-dog-lead-26th-satellite-awards-nominations/|title='Belfast,' 'The Power of the Dog' lead 26th Satellite Awards nominations|last=Anderson |first=Erik |date=December 1, 2021 |publisher=AwardsWatch |access-date=December 1, 2021}}</ref>
|-
|-
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|[[Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role|Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role]]
|[[Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role|Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role]]
|{{nom}}
|{{nom}}
|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2022-01-12/sag-nominations-2022-full-list-nominees%3f_amp=true|title=Here’s the full list of 2022 Screen Actors Guild Award nominations|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]|accessdate=January 12, 2022}}</ref>
|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2022-01-12/sag-nominations-2022-full-list-nominees%3f_amp=true|title=Here's the full list of 2022 Screen Actors Guild Award nominations|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]|accessdate=January 12, 2022}}</ref>
|-
|-
|Society of Composers & Lyricists Awards
|Society of Composers & Lyricists Awards
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[[Category:2021 directorial debut films]]
[[Category:2021 directorial debut films]]
[[Category:American biographical drama films]]
[[Category:American biographical drama films]]
[[Category:American films]]
[[Category:African-American films]]
[[Category:African-American biographical dramas]]
[[Category:Biographical films about singers]]
[[Category:Biographical films about singers]]
[[Category:Biographical films about entertainers]]
[[Category:Biographical films about people in arts occupations]]
[[Category:Bron Studios films]]
[[Category:Bron Studios films]]
[[Category:Canadian biographical drama films]]
[[Category:Canadian biographical drama films]]
[[Category:Canadian films]]
[[Category:Films about Baptist Christianity]]
[[Category:Films about music and musicians]]
[[Category:Films about music and musicians]]
[[Category:Films postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic]]
[[Category:Films postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic]]
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[[Category:Musical films based on actual events]]
[[Category:Musical films based on actual events]]
[[Category:Universal Pictures films]]
[[Category:Universal Pictures films]]
[[Category:2020s English-language films]]
[[Category:2020s Canadian films]]
[[Category:2020s American films]]
[[Category:Cultural depictions of soul musicians]]
[[Category:English-language biographical drama films]]

Latest revision as of 15:02, 25 December 2024

This article is about the American film. For the Marathi film released the same year, see the film's director Kishor Pandurang Belekar.
Respect
An elegant woman in a white dress, leaning back and singing into a microphone
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 byUnited Artists Releasing
Release dates
  • 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$32.9 million[5][6]

Respect is a 2021 American biographical musical drama film directed by Liesl Tommy (in her feature directorial debut), written by Tracey Scott Wilson and Callie Khouri, based on the life of American singer Aretha Franklin. The film stars Jennifer Hudson as Franklin, with Forest Whitaker, Marlon Wayans, Audra McDonald, Marc Maron, Tituss Burgess, and Mary J. Blige in supporting roles. The film follows the first three decades of Franklin's life, from being born as a musical prodigy in an affluent African-American family, the repercussions of losing her mother at age 10 to her arduous rise to international musical stardom, while enduring an abusive marriage, ultimately concluding with the recording of her influential live album Amazing Grace (1972).

A film on Franklin's life was in development for a long time with Franklin herself involved in the pre-production, however the film languished in development hell for years due to lack of finding a suitable candidate. Following release of the musical film Dreamgirls (2006), Franklin asked Hudson to play her but did not finalize her decision until seeing her in the Broadway musical The Color Purple. The film began production in early 2019 and had concluded by February 2020. The film is dedicated to Franklin, who died in 2018.

After much delay and postponement, due to the burgeoning COVID-19 pandemic, Respect premiered in Los Angeles on August 8, 2021,[2] 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 received generally positive reviews from critics, with praise for the performances, the film's production values, and costume design, but received criticism for its screenplay and long running time.

Plot

[edit]

In 1952, 10-year-old Aretha Franklin lives with her father C.L., pastor of Detroit’s largest Baptist church, and her siblings Cecil, Erma, and Carolyn. Aretha’s father often has her sing for parties at their home, while her mother Barbara, separated from C.L., encourages her independence. The predatory actions of a family friend, combined with the sudden death of Barbara, traumatize Aretha, who ceases to speak for weeks until her father demands that she sing at church.

Seven years later, Aretha is a teen mother of two boys, but refuses to name their father. Touring as a gospel singer with family friend Martin Luther King Jr., she meets local producer Ted White, but C.L. warns him to stay away. C.L. surprises Aretha with a meeting with Columbia Records executive John Hammond. She accepts a contract to record jazz standards, including "Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive."

Four albums later, Aretha lacks a signature hit. At a club, she attempts to honor family friend Dinah Washington by performing one of Dinah’s songs; outraged, Dinah advises Aretha to find songs that move her. Struggling with the controlling influence of her father, Aretha begins a relationship with Ted. She brings him home to meet her family, leading C.L. to nearly shoot him, but announces Ted as her manager.

Two years later, Ted and Aretha are married with a child. After nine albums with no real success, Aretha is dropped by Columbia. Ted secures a deal with veteran producer Jerry Wexler of Atlantic Records, who introduces her to a group of white musicians in Muscle Shoals in 1967. There, Aretha records "I Never Loved A Man (The Way I Love You)", but a jealous Ted becomes violent with her.

Returning to Detroit with a black eye, Aretha reconnects with her family. Realizing her song has been released, becoming her first hit, Aretha takes a more hands-on role in her career. She makes her sisters her new backup singers and, despite their misgivings, reunites with Ted. Aretha and Carolyn are inspired to re-arrange Otis Redding's "Respect"; their version becomes a #1 single, launching Aretha to stardom by her 25th birthday.

At a Detroit concert, Dr. King honors Aretha for her support of the Civil Rights Movement, proclaiming February 16 "Aretha Franklin Day". She has another signature hit, "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman", but her career is complicated by Ted's increasingly volatile behavior. Embarking on a European tour in 1968, Aretha is confronted with a Time magazine cover story about Ted's abuse, and finally casts him out of her life.

Dating her tour manager Ken Cunningham, Aretha eventually has her fourth child. In the wake of Dr. King's assassination, Aretha's father drunkenly argues with her over the direction of the Movement, telling her that she no longer walks in the Spirit. Aretha continues to release hits but overworks herself, coping with the pressure through alcohol, and rejects her family's attempts to help her.

During a performance in Columbus, Georgia, a drunken Aretha falls from the stage. On a downward spiral and estranged from Ken and her family, she is consoled by a vision of her late mother. Aretha finds the strength to quit drinking, leading Ken to reconcile with her, and returns to her gospel roots. She approaches Wexler with the idea to produce her own gospel album, and he agrees on the condition that the recording of the album be filmed for a documentary.

Beginning rehearsals, Aretha confides in family friend James Cleveland, now a respected gospel artist. The day of the album's recording, her father arrives to reconcile with her. The service begins and, with her family in attendance, Aretha sings her arrangement of the hymn, Amazing Grace. An epilogue reveals Aretha Franklin's legacy as a world-famous artist and the “Queen of Soul”.

Cast

[edit]

Production

[edit]

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.[7] She stated that Hudson would win an Oscar for the portrayal.[8] In January 2019, Liesl Tommy was set to direct the film.[9] 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.[10] Filming began in Atlanta, Georgia, on September 2, 2019,[11] and wrapped on February 15, 2020.[12] 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.[13]

Music

[edit]
Main article: Respect (soundtrack)

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[14] and produced by will.i.am and Johnny Goldstein, the song was released on June 18, 2021.[15] "Here I Am (Singing My Way Home)" peaked at number 21 on the Billboard Adult R&B Songs chart dated August 28, 2021.[16] The soundtrack album was released on August 13 via Epic Records.[17][18]

Release

[edit]

Respect premiered in Los Angeles on August 8, 2021, and was theatrically released in the United States on August 13, 2021.[19] 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.[20] Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was switched to a sole wide release on January 15, without a limited release,[21] before it was delayed again to August 2021. Previous release dates also included August 14, 2020, and October 9.[22]

The film screened at the 74th Locarno Film Festival, in the Piazza Grande section to be held from August 4 to 14.[23]

Home media

[edit]

The film was released digitally on August 27, 2021, and on Blu-ray and DVD by Universal Pictures Home Entertainment on November 9, 2021.[24]

Reception

[edit]

Box office

[edit]

Respect grossed $24.3 million in the United States and Canada, and $8.7 million in other territories, for a worldwide total of $33 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.[25] 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.[26] 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.[27][28]

Outside the U.S., the film's largest opening was in Australia, grossing nearly $1 million in its first weekend.[29] It finished third in the U.K. with $500,000, and debuted to $450,000 in France.[30]

Critical response

[edit]

On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an approval rating of 68% based on 191 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."[31] On Metacritic, the film has an aggregate score of 61 out of 100 based on 43 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews".[32] 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.[26]

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."[33] 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 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."[34]

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."[35] 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."[36]

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."[37] 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 an 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."[38] 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."[39]

Accolades

[edit]
Year Award organization Category Recipient Result Ref.
2021 African-American Film Critics Association Top 10 Films Respect 3rd place [40]
Best Actress Jennifer Hudson Won [41]
Black Film Critics Circle Top 10 Films Respect 5th place [42]
Best Actress Jennifer Hudson Runner-up
4th Celebration of Black Cinema and Television Actress – Film Won [43]
Detroit Film Critics Society Best Actress Nominated [44]
12th Hollywood Music in Media Awards Best Original Song in a Feature Film "Here I Am (Singing My Way Home)" [a] Nominated [45][46]
Best Original Song – Onscreen Performance Jennifer Hudson, Hailey Kilgore & Saycon Sengbloh – "Respect" Nominated
47th People's Choice Awards The Drama Movie of 2021 Harvey Mason Jr., Scott Bernstein, Jonathan Glickman, Stacey Sher, Jennifer Hudson Nominated [47]
The Female Movie Star of 2021 Jennifer Hudson Nominated
The Drama Movie Star of 2021 Nominated
23rd Women's Image Awards Best Feature Film Harvey Mason Jr., Scott Bernstein, Jonathan Glickman, Stacey Sher Nominated [48]
Best Actress Jennifer Hudson Nominated
2022 11th AACTA International Awards Best Actress Nominated
22nd Black Reel Awards Outstanding Actress Nominated [49]
Outstanding Original Song "Here I Am (Singing My Way Home)" [b] Nominated
Outstanding Original Score Kris Bowers Nominated
Outstanding Editing Avril Beukes Nominated
79th Golden Globe Awards Best Original Song "Here I Am (Singing My Way Home)" [c] Nominated [50][51]
64th Annual Grammy Awards Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media Respect Nominated [52]
Best Song Written for Visual Media "Here I Am (Singing My Way Home)" Nominated
53rd NAACP Image Awards Outstanding Motion Picture Harvey Mason Jr., Scott Bernstein, Jonathan Glickman, Stacey Sher, Jennifer Hudson Nominated [53]
Entertainer of the Year Jennifer Hudson Won
Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture Won
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture Audra McDonald Nominated
Outstanding Ensemble Cast in a Motion Picture Respect Nominated
Outstanding Breakthrough Creative (Motion Picture) Liesl Tommy Nominated
Outstanding Soundtrack/Compilation Album Stephen Bray, Jason Michael Webb Nominated
Palm Springs International Film Festival Chairman's Award Jennifer Hudson Won [54]
26th Satellite Awards Best Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical Harvey Mason Jr., Scott Bernstein, Jonathan Glickman, Stacey Sher Nominated [55][56]
Best Original Song "Here I Am (Singing My Way Home)" [d] Nominated
Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical Jennifer Hudson Nominated
28th Screen Actors Guild Awards Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role Nominated [57]
Society of Composers & Lyricists Awards Outstanding Original Song for a Musical or Comedy Visual Production "Here I Am (Singing My Way Home)" [e] Nominated [58]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ Jamie Hartman, Jennifer Hudson, Carole King
  2. ^ Jamie Hartman, Jennifer Hudson, Carole King
  3. ^ Jamie Hartman, Jennifer Hudson, Carole King
  4. ^ Jamie Hartman, Jennifer Hudson, Carole King
  5. ^ Jamie Hartman, Jennifer Hudson, Carole King

References

[edit]
  1. ^ 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.
  2. ^ a b "Put Some "Respect" On Her Name! Actress And Executive Producer Jennifer Hudson Shines At Premiere Of Aretha Franklin Biopic". August 9, 2021.
  3. ^ "Respect - Movie Review". www.commonsensemedia.org. June 9, 2021.
  4. ^ 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. ^ a b "Respect (2021) - Financial Information". The Numbers. Nash Information Services, LLC. Retrieved November 6, 2021.
  6. ^ a b "Respect (2021)". Box Office Mojo. IMDb. Retrieved October 13, 2021.
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