#REVIEW: “LITTLE RICHARD: I AM EVERYTHING”

By Mr. Will Wong

LITTLE RICHARD: I AM EVERYTHING explores its fascinating titular subject in the same unfiltered lens he saw the world through. But through a wider scope, it is a look at how Rock n’ Roll can trace its origins to Black roots, which often was whitewashed. Little Richard is a case in example of a pioneer and an Emancipator continually failed to get the recognition in a world in which he paved the way for Artists to express themselves freely.

Director Lisa Cortés (Hip Hop X Fashion) helms this definitive look at the life of a legend, tackling all the things that defined him – his faith, his sexuality, his art. We get a glimpse of his complicated relationship with his father, grappling with being gay from a young age and rejected by him to his life of contradictions, both embracing an outspoken bravado and trying to navigate his faith at once. Little Richard was able to sell the often lewd undertones in his music with a carefully cultivated image that dazzled and drew his fans in.

Cortés tells his story through rare achrived footage including interviews and performances throughout his many eras, and is able to gather a star-studded panel of Little Richard experts including the likes of Tom Jones, Mick Jagger, Paul McCartney, Nile Rodgers and even footage of David Bowie idolizing him.

Black scholars also weigh-in on the icon’s cultural signficance and explain that despite inspiring generations to follow, he never even won a Grammy in his lifetime before passing away in 2020 from Bone Cancer.  All this testimony really makes for a compelling argument that despite Little Richard’s success, what he gave the world was so much more by simply being and telling his version of the truth, even if he was at odds with himself. So many others reached meteoric heights taking inspiration from Little Richard, while he sat behind and watch them reap the rewards of it all.

This concise Documentary at 98 minutes, is such an education and the rightful honour the legent deserves. It is just a shame he isn’t here to take it all in, and that is fitting actually as Little Richard‘s story is a bittersweet one.

Magnolia Pictures will release LITTLE RICHARD: I AM EVERYTHING for special one-night-only theatrical screenings on April 11, 2023 followed by additional theaters and a digital release on April 21, 2023.

In Canada, Mongrel Media release it April 21, 2023 in theatres and on VOD May 19, 2023.