Luther: Never Too Much is a documentary written and directed by American filmmaker Dawn Porter. It chronicles the life and career of R&B icon Luther Vandross, who died in 2005.
Synopsis
The film follows Luther Vandross' nearly 40 years in the entertainment industry and highlights his career highs as well as battles with negative media attention focused weight and sexuality. Footage from his performances and archived interviews, as well as interviews with his associates are included.[1]
Production
Ged Doherty, Colin Firth, and Trish D. Chetty began developing a film focused on Luther Vandross in 2015 through Raindog Films.[2] Director Dawn Porter's production company Trilogy Films joined in 2022. Raindog Film acquired the rights to produce from Vandross' estate.[2] The score was composed by Robert Glasper.[2] Jamie Foxx, Datari Turner, and Jon Platt are executive producers.[2]
Release
Luther: Never Too Much premiered at Sundance Film Festival on January 21, 2024.[2]
Reception
The film received positive reception. Valerie Complex praised director Dawn Porter in a Deadline review, "Porter constructs a portrait that strikes a delicate, graceful balance...For audiences lacking familiarity, Porter makes a case to appreciate Vandross’ contributions to music, and to culture. And for longtime fans, she has crafted an ode befitting our nostalgia while challenging any and all assumptions."[3] Variety writer Todd Gilchrist complimented the inclusion of Vandross's music in Luther: "Porter skillfully emphasizes just how much material he left behind, and offers generous enough snippets of it that her film feels simultaneously like biography and a musical anthology, a primer and invitation to explore him further."[1]
Awards and nominations
- 2024 – Winner, Sarasota Film Festival, Industry Audience Award[4]
References
- ^ a b Gilchrist, Todd (2024-01-21). "'Luther: Never Too Much' Review: Doc Explores the Thick and Thin of a Soul Legend's Legacy". Variety. Retrieved 2024-04-19.
- ^ a b c d e Daniel, Christopher A. (2024-01-15). "Director of Luther Vandross film says it's so much more than a music doc". NBC News. Retrieved 2024-04-19.
- ^ Complex, Valerie (2024-01-28). "'Luther: Never Too Much' Review: Dawn Porter's Tribute To An R&B Icon – Sundance Film Festival". Deadline. Retrieved 2024-04-19.
- ^ Morfoot, Addie (2024-04-15). "Sundance Films Take Top Prizes at 26th Annual Sarasota Film Festival". Variety. Retrieved 2024-04-19.
