The ending of Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody reflects her life’s highs and lows. It revisits her 1994 American Music Awards performance, showing her talent and struggles.
Overview of Whitney Houston’s Life
The film starts in 1983, showing Whitney Houston’s early days singing in her church choir. Her mother, Cissy Houston, guides her. As the story unfolds, we see her rise to fame, her relationship with Robyn Crawford, and her troubled marriage to Bobby Brown. The movie highlights her career’s peaks, like her remarkable performances and hit songs. It also shows the darker side of her life, including her battles with substance abuse and personal issues (1, 2).
The Ending: Triumph and Tragedy
The film ends on a poignant note, capturing the essence of Whitney Houston’s life. It revisits her 1994 American Music Awards performance, a key moment in her career. The movie starts with this scene and then flashes back to her early days, finally returning to this pivotal moment. Critics say the transition back to the AMAs lacks emotional depth, leaving viewers feeling disconnected (3).
In the final scenes, the film does not shy away from showing Houston’s struggles with addiction, which led to her tragic death in 2012. It portrays her as a intricate figure, dealing with fame’s pressures and her personal choices’ impact. The ending serves as a somber reminder of the cost of celebrity, contrasting her extraordinary talent with her personal demons (4).
Themes in the Ending
One central theme is the duality of fame. Whitney Houston’s career was incredibly successful, but this success came at a high personal cost. The ending highlights the contrast between her public persona and private struggles. It makes viewers think about the sacrifices made for stardom and the toll on mental health and relationships (5).
Impact of Relationships
The film also explores how relationships affected Houston’s life. Her bond with Robyn Crawford and her marriage to Bobby Brown are key elements. The ending reflects on these relationships, showing that while they brought joy and support, they also contributed to her struggles. Her relationship with Crawford is depicted as romantic and supportive, contrasting sharply with her volatile and addiction-filled marriage to Brown (6).
Whitney Houston’s Legacy
The film concludes by acknowledging Houston’s legacy as a musical icon and a intricate individual. The final scenes pay tribute to her unmatched vocal talent and her significant impact on the music industry. However, it also raises questions about how her life story is told and the narratives that dominate public perception. The ending invites viewers to reflect on the broader implications of Houston’s life, especially regarding representation and the challenges faced by Black women in entertainment (7).
Critical Reception of the Ending
Critics note that while the film captures Houston’s talent, it often follows a formulaic biopic approach. The ending, though emotionally charged, is seen as lacking the depth and nuance her life deserves. Some reviews suggest the film glosses over critical aspects of her story, particularly her addiction struggles and intricate relationships, leading to a somewhat superficial portrayal (8, 9).
Conclusion
The ending of Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody reflects the singer’s life, showing her triumphs and tragedies. While the film has been criticized for its conventional narrative, it highlights the intricateities of Houston’s life as a performer and person. The film encourages viewers to engage with her legacy, understanding the challenges artists face in the public eye. Reflecting on Houston’s journey, we remember her music’s profound impact and the importance of acknowledging the human experiences behind the celebrity facade.
