239. Little Richard: I Am Everything; movie review

 

LITTLE RICHARD - I AM EVERYTHING

Cert 15

101 mins

BBFC advice: Contains strong sex references

Ever doubted that Little Richard was the founder of rock 'n' roll? Well, here is his compelling case in documentary form.

Lisa Cortés combines a chronology of the singer's life with interjections from Hall of Famers telling how he influenced them.

Meanwhile, others reveal how he broke down racial barriers and was an early icon for the LGBT community.

Although, it is also recognised that he was a man of many contradictions and was conflicted by his religion.

The movie takes Little Richard's story from Georgia where segregation existed during his early life and being gay was outlawed.

Nevertheless, his act was hugely popular with all races and his act was outrageously camp.

There are some wonderful clips from the 1950s and comparisons with Elvis Presley and others who followed in his slipstream but were given more credit for changing popular music.

Evidence is also presented that he had to press to be recognised by the establishment despite the acclaim of likes of The Rolling Stones and David Bowie.

This is one of the best biopics I have seen in quite a while and certainly deserves the awards and nominations it has received.

Great care has been taken with finding some wonderful archive clips and tracking down those who were really close to the singer.

I felt every stone was unturned and, by the movie's conclusion, had no doubt in the case that had been made for him.

Yes, Little Richard really was the king of rock 'n' roll.

Reasons to watch: Fascinating insight into a great rock'n'roll hero

Reasons to avoid: Doesn't press on some uncomfortable questions

Laughs: None

Jumps: None

Vomit: None

Nudity: None

Overall rating: 8/10

Did you know? Jimi Hendrix and Billy Preston were both backing musicians for Little Richard.

The final word. Lisa Cortés: "His contributions range from the music to the innovation in the music, to the fashion, to challenging cultural norms. And that this history is our history, and it is important for it not to be erased or for the telling of it to be kept from our children and all of us." EW.com

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