“Respect” delves into the tumultuous life of Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin but does it include her second husband, Glynn Turman?
Aretha Franklin’s personal life was almost as complex and captivating as her musical genius. Her relationships, especially her marriages, often made headline news. While the biopic “Respect” explores several facets of Franklin’s life, a common question arises: is Glynn Turman, Franklin’s second husband, depicted in the film?
Turman and Franklin were married for nearly six years (1978-1984), a period marked by both highs and lows. He was a successful actor known for roles in “Peyton Place” and “A Woman Called Jackie,” even earning an Emmy nomination in his career.
Unfortunately, the movie’s focus primarily centers on Franklin’s early life and rise to stardom. Much of the narrative revolves around her volatile relationship with her first husband, Ted White, and her difficult journey towards independence. This makes it less likely there would be significant screen time dedicated to her later relationships, including her marriage to Turman.
Although “Respect” primarily highlights Franklin’s formative years and struggles for autonomy, it doesn’t necessarily entirely omit Turman altogether. Perhaps he appears briefly, subtly woven into the fabric of Franklin’s life after gaining independence from White. Only a close examination of the film itself will reveal whether or not Turman makes an appearance on screen.
The portrayal (or lack thereof) of Glynn Turman in “Respect” opens up further questions about filmmakers’ choices and how they prioritize aspects of a musician’s personal narrative. Where do you draw the line? For Franklin, was her later marriage as pivotal to her story as those earlier tumultuous years?
