Review of Whitney by Kathia Woods

Whitney is the biopic documentary about Whitney Houston. It covers her beginnings in Newark up to her untimely death in February of 2012. The movie dives into many of the unanswered questions about her private life and confirms so many of the rumors previously denied. She had a mother she wanted to emulate, a father that manipulated her love, brothers that took advantage and Clive Davis that erased as much of her blackness re branding her into his singing mannequin. All these elements contributed to her out of this world success. Even now twenty years later there is much discomfort when the movie discusses her relationship with a lost friend/girlfriend Robyn Crawford. Crawford who has remained silent on her relationship with Whitney declined to participate in the documentary. Bobby Brown makes an appearance, however, is very reluctant to discuss the addiction portion of their relationship.

The person that stands out the most is her assistant Mary Jones. Ms. Jones is incredibly honest when she speaks about Whitney’s challenges but also endearing. She seems to be one of the few people that genuinely loved her. A family is supposed to protect you from your demons not enable them. Michael and Gary, her brothers, are forced upon her professional circle via her father, John Houston. Neither seems to take responsibility for their part of her undoing. What is evident throughout this entire movie there weren't many moments of sheer happiness for Whitney. The more famous she became, the more alone she felt. This movie gives you a better understanding of the beast that's fame. She gave us so many extraordinary moments, yet we failed her when she needed us the most.