Early in the making of “Respect,” director Liesl Tommy had an edict for the movie’s actors and crew.
“There will be only one diva on this movie,” she told them. “And that will be Aretha Franklin.”
From star Jennifer Hudson on down, those involved with the long-in-the-works biopic said that sense of reverence and responsibility for the Queen of Soul’s legacy coursed throughout the project, which hits theaters Friday.
The MGM film, with Broadway veteran Tommy making her film directorial debut, is the culmination of an effort set in motion years ago by Franklin herself. It’s the most significant Detroit-related music film since Eminem’s “8 Mile” in 2002.
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