"Whitney": A Candid Portrayal of Whitney Houston's Life
"Whitney" is a candid portrayal of Whitney Houston's life, offering a fresh perspective on the captivating trajectory of the singer's life and career.
7 Oct 2023
More than 1,500 archival tapes and footage were used to document the life and career of Whitney Houston in this 2018 film directed by Kevin Macdonald.
“All the music. All the stories. All the answers.”
Director
Synopsis
More than 1,500 archival tapes and footage were used to document the life and career of Whitney Houston in this 2018 film directed by Kevin Macdonald.
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View all →Synopsis
Cissy Houston reflects on her daughter Whitney's ascent to stardom in the documentary Whitney, directed by Kevin Macdonald. The film features interviews with family members, including Houston's brothers Michael and Gary, and longtime personal assistant Mary Jones. Filmed in locations such as Newark and Los Angeles, it incorporates over 1,500 archival tapes and footage. The documentary addresses Houston's struggles with addiction and the pressures of fame while celebrating her musical legacy and impact on the industry.
What Critics Say
RogerEbert.com
Kevin Macdonald's approach to the rise-and-fall tale, with the support of Houston's estate, is packed with insights from friends, associates, and family. While their anecdotes initially are congenial, it becomes apparent how complicit her loved ones were in indulging her more destructive tendencies.
Odie HendersonRead full article
Deep Dive
Why Watch
- Meet Whitney Houston's family and friends.
- Find out about the archival footage from around the world.
- See interviews with key figures in her life.
- Listen to Whitney's most famous songs in the film.
Did You Know
- The film grossed $4.7 million worldwide at the box office.
- Whitney premiered at the Cannes Film Festival on May 16, 2018.
- The documentary was made with a budget raised in just 10 days.
- Over 1,500 archival tapes were used, including 250 masters.
- The film received an average grade of 'A' from CinemaScore audiences.
Perfect For
Whitney Houston fansMusic documentary loversFilm festival enthusiasts
Frequently Asked Questions
Who directed the 2018 documentary Whitney?
Kevin Macdonald directed the 2018 documentary Whitney.
When was Whitney screened at the Cannes Film Festival?
Whitney was screened at the Cannes Film Festival on 16 May 2018.
How much did Whitney gross worldwide at the box office?
Whitney grossed $4.7 million worldwide at the box office.
Awards & Festivals
What are people saying?
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