As one of the producers of “Sparkle,” spiritual leader turned film producer Bishop T.D. Jakes knows first-hand there is a heavy load to bear for all parties involved when the film hits theatres next week.
“It’s certainly a great deal of pressure remaking a film that was so beloved in the African American community and their expectations are quite high,” Jakes said. “Being a steward of that is something that I took seriously – as did everyone else involved with the film.”
But not only is the musical drama directed by Salim Akil charged with living up to expectations of re-hashing a black film classic, but “Sparkle” will serve as late singer/actress Whitney Houston’s final screen performance.
“Sparkle” was a project that Houston herself held close to her heart. After her production company worked to secure the rights to the 1976 film, Houston spent nearly 15 years working to see “Sparkle” return to the screen for a new generation to enjoy.
Much like the central theme of the movie, Houston endured seemingly insurmountable odds in her quest to do so – most notably the tragic and untimely death of R&B star Aaliyah, who was set to take on the title role before being killed in a plane crash back in 2001.
Houston persevered, even though it would be a full decade before the idea of remaking Sparkle would come to fruition on film. And sadly, she wouldn’t live to see the film’s release. Houston died in February at age 48 just months before the film’s release.
“None of us knew that we would hold in our hands the final cinematic production of Whitney Houston –at that time it was the furthest thing from our mind,” Jakes said. “We would have thought it would have been the catalyst for which her cinematic career could be re-launched because she did such an impeccable job.”
Houston plays the film’s matriarch in a story that illustrates the highs and lows of the music industry experienced by three sisters attempting to use their talent as an escape from typical circumstances of poverty and inner city blues. The film features an all-star cast that includes Mike Epps, Cee-Lo Green and “American Idol” winner Jordin Sparks in the title role.
“Most of the credit goes to Whitney,” Jakes said. “She performed on screen so well that all we had to do was spin it correctly. Her work speaks for itself and her ability – not only as a vocalist but as an actress – I found it especially impressive in this particular film. She did the work presenting the character and she brings the character to life – and her synergy with Jordin Sparks on set and off set was absolutely amazing.”
And Jakes believes that Sparks’ performance in the title role of ‘Sparkle’ has the capacity to catapult her career in the same way as the Effie White character did for fellow ‘Idol’ alum Jennifer Hudson in the film adaptation of “Dreamgirls.”
“If there is anybody who is going to really benefit from this film it should be Jordin Sparks – who plays the lead role in the most amazing way,” Jakes said. “She has this innocence about her this childlike presence that exudes on screen in the most believable way. But she also brings a great deal of talent and strength to the role. “People who come to the film as die-hard Whitney fans will still be struck with how Jordin brings this character to life in such a powerful and believable way. I expect great things to come as far as her career because of it.”
As far as what to expect on screen from the production, the fact that Jakes’ name is associated with Sparkle should let the audience know that it’s a different film from the original.
“I think the first Sparkle was a bit gritty – in a way that I don’t think was necessary in order to tell the story,” Jakes said. “But such were the times. When the first ‘Sparkle’ was done, the only thing you could primarily make [as black films] was something that showed a certain type of character and/or experience.
This is a new day and we don’t always have to acquiesce into certain stereotypical roles to be of interest or to get green lighted by Hollywood,” said Jakes. “And we are able to get a better handle on how we are depicted on film.”
Sparkle was refurbished to relate to a new generation of film audiences – including a revamped script by Mara Brock Akil and Howard Rosenman and new original music by R. Kelly.
“We had to do some changes to replace some of the things that didn’t add to how things are seen today in film,” Jakes said. “A lot of time has gone by. The pacing of the film, how the story is told and thinking has changed since the film was done almost 40 years ago, and we really want to be strategic – and I think we were able to do that.”
He seems confident that Sparkle 2012 will leave a lasting impression, both because of the storyline and the final act for the film’s most beloved star.
“If a movie doesn’t touch people’s lives in a personal way, it won’t be around very long,” Jakes said. “And I believe that this film will not only be a tribute to the legacy of Whitney Houston, but I think it will be inspiration for people to navigate their own lives into the field of their own dreams and to use their faith as fuel to withstand things often seen as traumatic experiences.”
Sparkle opens in theatres nationwide on Friday, August 17. The film is rated PG-13 with a running time of .100 minutes
