Lenny Kravitz, fresh off of his role in “The Hunger Games,” is set to play Motown legend Marvin Gaye in a new biopic. The movie is said to focus on the latter part of Gaye’s life, which was mired in drug addiction, and eventually his death at the hands of his own father. The title is said to be “Sexual Healing.” Which is…gross.
Now Marvin’s son, Marvin III, has come out saying his family is much against the film, calling it “shameful.”
Marvin Jr. says he is actually a friend of Lenny’s, claiming the two went to school together.
Speaking to TMZ, he said: “The producers and directors of this film are very wrong and shameful … (They”re) trying to do a film about a low period in his life. They don’t even know the whole story.”
Since Marvin Jr. claims that he and Lenny are old friends, he says he wants to talk to him about why he would take the role in the first place. “(I want to) talk to him about why he would do this,” he said.
“I would hope (Lenny) doesn”t have any idea that we are against this film being done.”
Apparently other family members are trying to force the film to be shut down through their lawyers.
I can understand why the Gaye family would want to downplay the depressing end of Marvin’s life, and instead celebrate his achievements. But it’s not like any of the details of the latter part of his life were a secret.
It was well documented at the time of his death that the singer was haunted by demons that took over his life. Hopefully the movie, if it ends up being made, sheds light on just what Marvin was going through, and bring some closure for fans of the late singer’s music.
Source: www.inmusic.ca
