Kevin Macdonald Talks Acclaimed Documentary Whitney in Latest Hot Press

One movie worth seeing in cinemas now is Whitney, the latest documentary about legendary singer Whitney Houston. Coming soon after the Nick Broomfield doc Whitney: Can I Be Me, director Kevin Macdonald talks to Roe McDermott about why he decided to make the film.

“I did wonder what there was left to say about Whitney Houston,” he admits before describing what changed his mind on the idea.

“I met Whitney Houston’s agent, Nicole David. She said: ‘Whitney was my favourite client but I don’t think I ever really knew her, and I don’t think anyone understood her,’” he recalls, stating there was something ‘so intriguing’ about the invitation to discover what made the singer tick.

Macdonald received access to Houston’s family and friends and uncovered a whole host of secrets. These include facts such as the singer being introduced to drugs as a teen by her elder brothers, her bisexuality and relationship with Robyn Crawford and shocking allegations about Houston’s experience of childhood sexual abuse by her cousin, Dee Dee Warwick.

Speaking about Houston’s life, Macdonald says: “One of the things that fascinates me is that the three African-American stars of the era – Michael Jackson, Prince, Whitney – all ended in remarkably similar ways, dying young with drugs involved.”

Find out more about Whitney Houston through Macdonald and McDermott’s chat by picking up the latest Hot Press.

Meanwhile, you can see the trailer for Whitney below.