DEMANDING HALLE

I’m all for people pushing for what they want but there may be times when other measures should be considered. Legendary singer Aretha Franklin is planning a biopic about her life. She has a list of actors that she would like to portray the important people in her life. For instance, she would like Oscar winner Denzel Washington to play her father, Reverend C.L. Franklin. Not a bad choice. She would also like actor Terrence Howard to portray Smokey Robinson. Again, not a bad choice. He may be able to pull it off.

It gets a little sticky when she drops the name of who she wants to play a young version of herself. Oscar winner Halle Berry. *crickets chirping* Apparently, she’s wanted Berry to sign on for the role for a while but the actress has not done so. I think that’s a good move. Listen. I’m not sure how Franklin came up with Berry for the part but I don’t think Berry is the best choice. Not only is there little to no resemblance between the two but Berry doesn’t have the voice or emotional/spiritual power to portray Franklin. The Queen of Soul has a rich connection to the Baptist church due to her upbringing and it is engraved in her performances and vocals. That is a part of her own personal “power.” Those are components that I don’t believe Berry can translate well on film and, if Berry is evading this role, I think she knows that this role is beyond her.

Do you think Halle Berry would do a good job portraying Aretha Franklin in her biopic?