A rhapsody is defined as “a euphoric expression of joy”
or “an epic poem”, while the term bohemian has evolved to be slang for unconventional
or free-thinking. It is only fitting then that the epic story of the ever
original artist Freddie Mercury, whose euphoric anthems remain some of rock’s
most enduring songs, share the name of his greatest hit, Bohemian Rhapsody. This 2019 smash hit follows Mercury’s career
from when he first joined the band that would later become Queen to the band’s
legendary performance at the 1985 Live Aid concert. At once a poignant
exploration of mercury’s life and a show-stopping tribute to Queen’s musical
legacy Bohemian Rhapsody is a biopic
guaranteed to rock you.
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| All hail to Queen |
The film begins with Mercury (Rami Malek) preparing
for his iconic performance at Live Aid before flashing back to his university
days when he was still a student and aspiring songwriter. It is during this
time that he meets Brian May (Gwilym Lee), John Deacon (Joseph Mazzello), and
Roger Taylor (Ben Hardy) of the campus band Smile. When the band’s lead singer
suddenly quits musical history is made as Mercury steps in to take his place as
the band’s unlikely front man. The film then follows the group as they evolve into
the band now known as Queen and begin their rise to the heights of fame and
fortune. As his professional life begins to soar, however, Mercury’s personal
life flounders as he struggles to come to terms with his sexual, ethnic, and artistic
identities under the scrutiny of the public eye. Queen and Mercury’s ensuing struggles
ultimately culminate in the band overcoming illness and in-fighting to reunite
to perform at Live Aid.
After years of lying dormant in development stages and
numerous false starts Bohemian Rhapsody was finally released in 2018.
Fans and critics alike approached the film with skepticism as they all
considered one question; would the film do justice to the legacy of Queen and
the life of its iconic front man? Audiences world-wide agree that the answer is
a resounding yes. In just over two hours, the film brings the intertwined
stories of Mercury and Queen to life with an emotion that is nothing short of
raw. The film successfully balances its focus between Mercury’s personal and
professional life in a way that lends viewers insight into both the man Farrokh
Bulsara and the artist Freddie Mercury. As a result, the larger than life
Mercury emerges in the film as a sympathetic, complex, and entirely relatable
character rather than the caricature that fans had feared. The film portrays Queen’s
other members with similar nuance, ensuring that the film is every bit the
story of Queen as well as that of Freddie Mercury. Even as it sheds light upon the
band members’ off-stage lives the film never forgets the signature songs that
lie at the heart of its story. Over the course of its running time the film
recreates many of Queen’s most iconic performances ranging from their first appearance
on the BBC to their set at Live Aid in a way that reminds viewers just what it
was that was so killer about Queen’s music. Through its combination of
back-stage drama and on-stage theatrics, Bohemian
Rhapsody is more than just a film it is, to quote Mercury, “it’s an
experience. Love, tragedy, joy, it’s something that people will feel belongs to
them”; in short, it’s a film worthy of Queen.
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| Don't stop me now... |
The life and legacies of Freddie Mercury and Queen
come to electrifying life thanks to the work of the film’s cast. Lucy Boynton
is lovely in her heartrending portrayal of the woman Mercury referred to as the
love of his life, Mary Austin. Aaron McCusker turns in a memorable and
endearing performance as Mercury’s down to earth partner, Jim Hutton. Joseph
Mazzello imbues his performance as Queen’s bassist, John Deacon, with sly
sarcasm. Ben Hardy is riotous in his energetic performance as the band’s
drummer, Roger Taylor. Gwilym Lee conveys intelligence and charm in his turn as
Queen’s guitarist Brian May. Rami Malek is nothing short of brilliant in his
multifaceted portrayal of Mercury, whom he embodies to such an extent that even
Brian May has been quoted as saying, “he inhabited Freddie to the point where
we (the band) even started to think of him as Freddie”. Together, the cast bring
Queen’s story to life with a passion and skill that is nothing short of
rhapsodic.
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| You're right, I am a legend |
Soulful, operatic, and inspiring are just a few of the
words that apply equally to Queen’s music and the film Bohemian Rhapsody. After years of production difficulties the story
of Queen and Freddie Mercury has finally arrived, and proved that it was more
than worth the long anticipated wait. Through its well written script, spot-on
acting, and electrifying musical performances the film has rocked audiences
worldwide. For a biopic that is truly a champion of the genre, join Queen in Bohemian Rhapsody.
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