Dionne Warwick: Don't Make Me Over

"Dionne Warwick: Don't Make Me Over" (2021 release; 95 min) is a bio-documentary about the life and times of the legendary singer. Dionne herself does most of the talking, as she reflects on her very humble beginnings working her way up to get the approval of the Apollo Theater audience, and then eventually getting noticed by/pairing up with Burt Bacharach and Hal David...

Couple of comments: this documentary is co-directed by Dave Wooley and David Heilbroner ("Say Her Name: The Life and Death of Sandra Bland"). It is in every which way a straight-forward, Dionne Warwick-approved and endorsed look at the music icon. The documentary's first half is by far the more interesting one, when we watch how Warwick, backed by the impeccable songs from Bacharach-David, is able to bridge the otherwise impassable gap between "black" and "white" audiences. Check out the early video clip of the breakthrough song "Don't Make Me Over'. Just priceless. Check out as well how Warwick reacts to what it was like touring in the deep South in the mid-60s (the all-out unapologetic racism and worse remains shocking to this day, but hey, that was America!). The film's second half is okay but just okay. There is a seemingly endless parade of talking heads singing the praises of Ms. Warwick (But Bacharach, Alicia Keys, Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight, Barry Gordon Jr., Elton John, Clive Davis, and on and on). There isn't a single negative or critical note or question in the entire documentary.

"Dionne Warwick: Don't Make Me Over" premiered at the 2021 Toronto International Film Festival and then was optioned by CNN+, the streaming service which died on the vine in no time. The documentary finally started showing on CNN yesterday (New Year's Day) and that's where I caught it. Whether you are a die-hard fan or just a casual fan of Dionne Warwick, I'd readily suggest you check this out and draw your own conclusion.

One of the best docs I've seen. I'd forgotten how many great songs Dionne Warwick had made, but I enjoyed even more the reminders, revelations and details about her life offstage: the refusal to back down when pitted against Southern racism and segregation; the fight for AIDS awareness, including raising tens of millions of dollars for AMFAR through the song "That's What Friends Are For"; the sit down with gangsta rappers to explain to them that their misogynistic lyrics were harmful and the impact that had on Snoop Dogg; and of course, the most important thing, the incredible loving relationship she has with her sons, despite the fact that she was an international star, in constant demand all over Europe as well as the U. S. Director Dave Wooley deftly pulls it all together in a beautiful way. I highly recommend this great piece of filmmaking.

I was so looking forward to watching this documentary depicting the classy and award winning singer Dionne Warwick and once again those goosebumps made the hair on my arms stand at attention. I learned a bit more about Dionne Warwick, her upbringing, her relationship with Whitney Houston, and even one of her earliest mentors, the great Hollywood actress Marlene Dietrich.

I can't say there is one particular song of Ms. Warwick that stands above the rest (simply because they are all memorable and heartwarming) but listening to how Ms. Warwick first felt about songs like "Do You Know the Way to San Jose" and her gathering of the troops to put together the Aids foundation "That's What Friends Are For" to raise millions of dollars for the Aids foundation tell us how truly committed she has been to certain causes that may have not been popular for the time.

I simply love her music and this documentary makes me love her even more. I will be sure to purchase it when it becomes available.

Finally, Dionne Warwick is getting some of the due she deserves. I know, how can you say that a women who has had the career, accomplishments and accolades that she has received, is underrated, but I do. As Clive Davis says herein, she is at the top pantheon of female singers-an all time great. You have to have seen her in concert, in her prime, to truly appreciate the power of her vocal talents and her ability to move you through song. I've been privileged to see her live a couple of dozens times, beginning in 1969. The first record I ever bought was a Dionne Warwick album.

But, of course, as this outstanding documentary shows, she is much more than just her music. She is a leader. A philanthropist. A mover. A shaker. She is a legend!

Besides the incredible talent, Miss Warwick is the epitome of soul, class and glamour.

This docufilm goes back to her roots and early beginnings. It is interesting to hear about all the other talents who got their start at the Apollo Theatre. She also tells a story about touring the south back in the 1950s. She said, "I had never been treated like that before." Well, at least she wasn't treated badly in the north, for the most part. Thank goodness for that at least.

It touches on her financial problems but doesn't go into her strange oddyssey with the psychic network. It also ignores her turn as the glamorous and regal host of Solid Gold.

What impressed me further was her taking on gangsta rap for their misogynistic lyrics. Only SHE could pull that off!

I don't get Snoop saying she paved the way for people like him. Apples and Oranges.