In 1992, The Bodyguard became one of the 100 highest grossing films worldwide, earning $410 million at the box office and propelling both the acting and singing career of Whitney Houston.
In light of Houston’s recent death, the film will return to the Athena Grand at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday. The event is not being billed as a posthumous tribute to Houston, however, but rather a celebration of the film’s 20th anniversary.
The showing is a part of the partnership between the Athena Grand and National CineMedia’s Fathom Events, which works to enhance the “cinema experience” by adding digital and interactive elements.
“When originally released, the story and unforgettable songs of The Bodyguard captured the hearts of audiences everywhere,” said Shelly Maxwell, executive vice president of Fathom Events. “Through this special anniversary presentation, fans will be able to come together for one night and see it once more on the big screen.”
After her debut performance, Houston would go on to star in other hits such as Waiting to Exhale and The Preacher’s Wife. Houston’s songs, “I Have Nothing” and “Run to You” were each nominated for Oscars, losing to Aladdin’s “A Whole New World.”
But the film’s biggest hit song “I Will Always Love You” won the Grammy for Record of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Performance, Female. The film’s soundtrack also won Album of the Year and was nominated for the song “I’m Every Woman.”
At this point, the film will just be a re-release of the original feature, with previews for other Fathom Events being shown before the film.
The film’s re-release comes just days after the official announcement of Houston’s cause of death, which has been cited as accidental drowning caused by heart disease and cocaine use.
Although the film’s 20th anniversary is considered the reason for the showing, it is Houston’s death that will likely promote people’s interest in seeing the film again.
“I definitely think Whitney Houston’s death will bring attention to the release,” said Rick Frame, manager of the Athena Grand. “Sadly, it may have prompted it.”
wa054010@ohiou.edu
