Watch Whitney: Can I Be Me

Whitney: Can I Be Me is a documentary film that celebrates the incredible musical talent and tragic life of one of the biggest pop stars of all time, Whitney Houston. Directed by Nick Broomfield and Rudi Dolezal, the film offers a revealing and intimate look at the life of the legendary singer-songwriter who died too soon in 2012 at the age of 48.

The film begins with Whitney's early life growing up in a musical family in Newark, New Jersey. We see how she was influenced by her mother, gospel singer Cissy Houston, and her cousins, Dionne Warwick and Dee Dee Warwick, as she developed her own unique singing style. The documentary then charts Whitney's rise to fame, from her early days in the music industry to her international success in the 1980s and 1990s.

We see how Whitney's charisma, beauty, and talent captured the hearts of fans all over the world. Her soulful voice and powerful performances made her a pop icon, but her success came at a great cost. The film highlights how her tumultuous personal life, including her marriage to fellow musician Bobby Brown, her struggles with addiction, and her highly publicized fall from grace in the media, all took a toll on her mental and physical health.

Through never-before-seen footage and interviews with Whitney's friends, family, and colleagues, including members of her band, backup dancers, and even her former bodyguard, the film pieces together Whitney's story in a candid and emotional way. We learn about the pressures she faced from the music industry, including racism and sexism, and how she was constantly torn between her public persona and her private life.

One of the most poignant moments in the film comes when Whitney reflects on her desire to be accepted for who she truly was. "Can I be me?" she asks in a rare interview. The documentary explores the complex identity struggles that Whitney faced as a black woman in the music industry, who was forced to conform to a white, male-dominated culture that often disregarded her artistry and talent.

Another central theme of the film is Whitney's faith and her relationship with God. The documentary features several clips of Whitney singing gospel songs and attending church services, which were a source of comfort and strength for her throughout her life. We see how her faith was an integral part of her identity and how it provided her with a sense of purpose and hope.

Overall, Whitney: Can I Be Me is a heartfelt tribute to the life and legacy of one of the greatest pop stars of all time. It paints a vivid picture of the highs and lows of Whitney Houston's career and personal life, and it celebrates her incredible voice and the enduring impact that her music has had on the world. Whether you're a longtime fan or simply curious about the life of this iconic performer, this documentary offers a powerful and emotional journey into the heart and soul of Whitney Houston.

Whitney: Can I Be Me is a 2017 music movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 40 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8 and a MetaScore of 64.