“Ain’t nothing perfect in this world other than Jesus and Luther Vandross’s first album.“– Ruby (Jenifer Lewis), Black-ish
In the world of documentary filmmaking, few names shine as brightly as Dawn Porter. Known for her poignant explorations of political and social issues (Good Trouble, Powerof the Dream, Gideon’s Army), Porter has taken a bold step into the realm of music documentaries with her latest film, Luther: Never Too Much, which celebrates the life and legacy of legendary singer Luther Vandross. In a recent interview, Porter discussed
her motivations for choosing Vandross as her subject, the emotional journey of making the documentary, and her hopes for what audiences will take away from the film.
When asked why she chose to focus on Luther Vandross, Porter explained her passion for telling stories that resonate with themes of joy and creativity. “I do a lot of political films and films about injustice,” she noted. “But with Luther, he seems joyous. I wanted to stretch myself and explore a music documentary for the first time.” The abundance of archival materials available through Sony made the project irresistible. “We had so many different materials to work with; it was heavenly for a documentary person,” she said, emphasizing her desire to let Vandross tell his own story.
While there are countless narratives surrounding Vandross’s upbringing, Porter chose to concentrate primarily on his illustrious career. “His siblings and mother have passed, so there wasn’t a lot we could authentically explore,” she explained. “I thought about the audience and what they want to know. The origins of his songs are what truly matter.”
With Vandross’s roots in New York City, Porter felt that focusing on his professional journey would best serve his legacy.
Porter set out to tell a story of Vandross that would satisfy fans and teach those who may not know the artist, the significance of his role in Black music. Vandross was a workhorse from writing and producing the music, handling all business dealings, and being the creative lead on the shows including the costumes. “He wrote music, composed music, arranged music, directed, sketched costumes,” says Porter. “I want viewers to think about his brain – I want people to see the work and his work ethic and how much he cared about his fans. He was doing this work because he was appreciating the audience,” the Sundance film festival winner adds.
Creating the documentary was not without its emotional challenges for Porter. “I kept longing for him to be here now,” she shared. “What could he have taught younger artists? He was a master of reinvention.” The film allowed Porter to delve into the discovery of Vandross’s artistry, capturing the essence of both the man and the performer. Porter masterfully captures his genius and dedication to his craft and audience satisfaction,
which is not widely discussed when talking about his legacy. He is known for his voice, but rarely described as a genius, which Porter trumpets throughout the interview. Porter worked closely with editor Mark Fason, who got more and more excited about the film as they went through the archival footage and brought Vandross’ genius to the screen.
“I love this movie. There’s not a frame I would change, and that is rare,” Porter reflected.The film features contributions from a variety of notable figures, including Jamie Foxx,Colin Firth, and Robert Glasper. Porter described the project as a celebration of Vandross’s universal appeal. “Colin Firth’s company originated the project; they were obsessed with Luther,” she said. With a producer (Leah Smith) who was a self-proclaimed superfan, the team came together to create a film that respects and honors Vandross’s legacy.
Firth and Foxx were attached to the project first and decided Porter was the person to direct. She had to make tough decisions when making the film that had to sit right with superfans like producer Smith. When making the film, they sometimes had to use footage that wasn’t perfect, but Parker chose to elevate the story, wanting to show fans different sides of the storied crooner. “We sacrificed the video for the story,” she added, highlighting the depth of emotional engagement they aimed for to bring the same level of commitment to their audience that Vandross gave to his audiences.
Like Vandross, Porter’s approach to the film focused on giving audiences the film they deserve. When speaking of Vandross, she states, “He was the opposite of a selfish artist. He gave so much to his fans. They deserve spectacle. That’s love for our community and our people. He was generous and thoughtful in that way,” she expounded.
Porter also spoke about the exceptional sound design of the documentary, crediting Robert Glasper for his role as musical director. “He literally played along with the scenes, translating my emotion into music,” she explained. The music is crystal clear, and, in some scenes, it sounds as if Vandross is standing in front of you. Not bad for people who had not met prior to this documentary.
Porter and Smith wanted Glasper but didn’t think they would get him because of his status in the industry. They were shocked when he called back and said he would score the project. The unlikely collaboration resulted in a rich and immersive auditory experience that compliments Vandross’s remarkable voice.
There is something for everyone in this documentary, reflecting Vandross’ universal appeal. Ultimately, Porter hopes viewers will gain a deeper understanding of Vandross’s work ethic and dedication to his craft. “Luther makes it look so easy,” she remarked. “He wrote, composed, arranged, and directed with such care for his fans. He wanted to give them the show they deserved,” adds Porter.
Through the film, Porter aims to illuminate the generosity and thoughtfulness that defined Vandross as an artist while giving viewers and super fans a film they deserve. Luther: Never too Much is a celebration of Vandross’s music, his amazing energy and spirit, and a poignant exploration of his enduring impact.
Luther: Never Too Much opens in theaters November 1, 2024. Tickets are on sale now.
This story was written by Nsenga K. Burton, Ph.D., editor-at-large for NNPA/Black Press USA and founder & editor-in-chief of The Burton Wire, the award-winning news blog covering news of the African Diaspora.
Follow Nsenga on social media @Ntellectual or @TheBurtonwire.
