Photos by Barbara Peck.
The latest vintage movie shoot on the Upper West Side is a biographical film about the life of Aretha Franklin, starring Jennifer Hudson.
The movie was shooting on Wednesday on 110th between Broadway and Riverside. Vintage cars and people in period outfits filled the block.
In addition to Hudson, the film has quite a cast: Marlon Wayans, Forest Whitaker, Audra McDonald and Mary J. Blige (who happens to be an Upper West Sider).
In the last few months, there have been several films set in the mid-20th century shot in the neighborhood.
There going to have to do something about those street pylons and road markings. Very anachronistic.
What a blessing this woman was. Such an amazing talent but it wasn’t just the unparalleled vocal skills. She embodied strength, soul and sexuality in a way the world had never seen before and probably never will again. We miss you, Aretha.
Just a little reminder and one of my personal favorites:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzIUgS3Imu0
I’m glad Forest Whitaker is still willing to set foot in our neighborhood after his mistreatment here not so long ago:
https://www.nbcnewyork.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/Forest-Whitaker-Falsely-Accused-of-Shoplifting-at-NYC-Deli-Report-191591461.html
She lost my respect by her admiration for Louis Farrahkhan. What does that say about her?
Love Aretha. She was and always will be an inspiration. What is most disturbing is Louis Farrakhan’s connection to Scientology. Whew, that is a big discussion. If ya get to the bottom of it, Scientology is the damning factor, the most insidious cult, that I know from personal experience. I give Louis & Aretha a pass, we are all doing the best we can and anyone can fall prey to predators like Scientology.
No, with all due respect the problem with Farrakhan is his overt anti semitism not his connection to Scientology.
What does that say about you ,this is America ,she can like who ever she wants ,say it loud , she’s black and proud .
No one is arguing that in America one is free to like or dislike whomever they want. But that doesn’t excuse peoples’ stupidity or callousness about the people they admire.
What a myopic and narrow minded viewpoint. If America had not been such a racist and patriarchal society, there would be no need for a Farrakhan. Although I don’t agree with all of his teachings, at least the man stood for something. One thing about Aretha, not only did she demand R-E-S-P-E-C-T, she also gave it to others. One does not have to be a believer in someone’s antics to be an admirer. When you give your life to a cause which uplifts humanity and promotes equality, then maybe you’ll change that vile attitude of yours
Not saying she does not have the right to like anyone she wants. But I also have a right to not like or respect someone who admires an out and out anti Semite. Suppose it was the other way around. If I were a celebrity and openly admired a racist, would you like or respect me?
Totally agree…she’s a disappoint on what really matters.
Interesting conversation this has turned into.
I firmly believe in the separation of art and the artist. One doesn’t need to agree 100% with the politics, religion, or supposed morality of a person to recognize their genius and their contribution to the arts.
Maybe this is just my own selfishness because I wouldn’t want to live in a world where I couldn’t listen to Aretha, James Brown, Michael Jackson, Frank Sinatra, etc. or watch movies made by Woody Allen or produced by Harvey Weinstein. I mean, have you ever seen Pulp Fiction or Lord of the Rings?? Sean Connery gave a famous interview with Barbara Walters where he explains when it’s OK to smack around your woman. It’s on Youtube. So…no more James Bond movies? I don’t think so.
I’ll let you in on a little secret, lots of folks in the performance arts are flawed human beings or have unpopular or controversial opinions or lifestyles. The work stands on it’s own, in my opinion. If people want to deprive themselves of literal masterpieces, I guess that is their choice.
I think you make some excellent points. But once again lets flip this. Suppose a celebrity died and gave a prominent role at his funeral to a racist like for example David Duke. Do you think there would be a biopic? These days he or she would probably be canceled. What really disturbs me is the reaction of two responders to my post. Blacks and Jews should know better than most where hate and bigotry lead us. Sadly, some in both groups forget that. With that, I withdraw from this conversation.