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Franklin stands, dropping her coat to the ground.
She unleashes a vocal torrent so strong she brings the house down.
This movie isnt concerned with Franklin beyond her hits and reduces her years lived to boxes checked.
It begins in Detroit in 1952.
A 10-year-old Aretha is awakened by her father, the Reverend C.L.
Unlike her immense voice, Franklins childhood is far from perfect inRespect.
She is raped during her fathers party (we never discover the rapists identity).
At the age of 12, she becomes pregnant (we never learn the childs name).
Her mother dies suddenly (were never told of what).
Hudsons big voice and propensity for extended gospel runs make her a more than decent stand-in.
Her presence, however, is lacking.
The actors around Hudson are operating on different pages.
Marlon Wayans plays Ted White, Franklins controlling, abusive first husband.
But Wayans doesnt come close to reaching the heights of those before him.
Franklin is supposed to be attracted to White like a bee to a honeycomb.
Whitakers accent wildly swings without warning.
Tituss Burgess as James Cleveland lays on thick mimicry, playing closer to a caricature than a real person.
Even Marc Maron as famed record producer Jerry Wexler cant carve a niche in this bloated picture.
It has the nerve to invoke Angela Daviss name without explaining her politics.
And while Franklins admirers fawn over her, the lens is indifferent to Hudson.
Above all, its unconscionable how little consideration is afforded to the singers mental health.
Bipolar disorder isnt treated by ghosts.
Its a long journey, one Tommy isnt willing to show.
A problem with bothRespectandGeniusis the vastness of the icons life.
In smashing them together, Tommy takes shortcuts that ultimately undermine her subject.
This approach may satisfy those who want to bask in Franklins music.
But if thats where the hunger lies, Id suggest playing her records instead.
Theyre more truthful and soulful than this movie could ever be.
