The career of “Queen of Disco” Donna Summer is revisited in Love to Love You, Donna Summer. Raised as part of a family of gospel singers, Donna Summer first became known for her “20 Minutes of Love” 1975 orgasmic dance hit “Love to Love You, Baby.” This and her 1977 hit collaboration with Giorgio Moroder, “I Feel Love,” resulted in Donna Summer becoming known as the Queen of Disco. However, there was much more to Summer and her sultry stage persona.
Love to Love You, Donna Summer Synopsis
Love to Love You, Donna Summer is a biographical documentary about Donna Summer, directed by the late disco icon’s daughter Brooklyn Sudano, along with Roger Ross Williams (Life, Animated). The film uses archival footage to tell the story of Donna Summer’s career, ranging from her early disco hits to becoming the first black artist with a video on MTV for her 1983 hit “She Works Hard for the Money.” Apart from her sultry public persona, the film tackles Donna Summer’s personal life as someone who struggled with her fame and image.
My Thoughts on Love to Love You, Donna Summer
Love to Love You, Donna Summer does benefit from the fact that it is co-directed by the singer’s daughter Brooklyn Sudano, with Donna Summer’s other daughters being among the various voice-over interviews. While this adds a personal connection to the film, Love to Love You, Donna Summer still feels like it only scratches the surface about who Donna Summer truly was. She was one of the most innovative black artists who had trouble dealing with her image.