By John H. Foote
Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson, who blew audiences and critics minds with her towering performance as Effie, the pivotal role in Dreamgirls (2006), was handpicked by the great Aretha Franklin to portray the iconic singer in the film biography of her life. That film – Respect – has been getting Oscar buzz for Hudson since the summer and was among the more anxiously awaited films (and performances) of the year.
No more.
This week was announced the film will be delayed until August 13, 2021, opening up the Oscar race even more. Though the Best Actress category is filled to the brim this year, Hudson was a strong contender for a nomination, and potentially a win.
Still reeling from the savage reviews of Cats (2019) just last year, the actress – who was actually good in the mess of a film – is anxious to atone. She is looking to gain some respect back too but will be waiting nine months to get it. Sadly, so will we.
This was among my “must see” of the season.
No Respect this year.
Damned COVID.
John H. Foote is a well-recognized Canadian film critic/historian who has been an active critic for 30 years. His deep love for the movies began at a very young age. He began his career as co-host of the popular TV show Reel to Real where he remained for nine years. While on TV he began dabbling in education, eventually ascending to Director of the Toronto Film School, where he also taught film history. After leaving the college to care for his wife, he returned to teaching at Humber College where he taught both Film History and Method Acting Theory. John has written two books: “Clint Eastwood – Evolution of a Filmmaker” and the upcoming “Spielberg – American Film Visionary”. He is currently working on two books, one about the films of the seventies and another on the films of Martin Scorsese. Through his career he has worked in TV, radio, print and the web. John has interviewed everyone in the industry (more than 300 interviews) except Jack Nicholson, he says sadly. Highlights include Martin Scorsese, Tom Cruise, Meryl Streep Robert Duvall, Jane Fonda, Francis Ford Coppola and Kathryn Bigelow.
