Let’s face it, not every biopic is going to get the story right every time. “Bohemian Rhapsody” is not an exception to this — but it still rocked my socks off.
Rami Malek portrays Freddie Mercury in the highly anticipated Queen film. Where some find flaws in the movie, none of them are directed at Malek, and deservedly so. As someone who has been a fan of his work for years, to say I was excited for “Bohemian Rhapsody” is an understatement. Malek does not disappoint in this film; his ability to emulate Mercury’s iconic voice and flamboyant performances are spot-on. It’s also important to give credit to the prosthetic teeth he wears throughout the film to truly transform into the role.
By far the best parts of the movie were the performances. All of the iconic live renditions of some of Queen’s best work are included: “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “We Will Rock You,” “Another One Bites The Dust,” and of course the band’s unforgettable 1985 Live Aid set at Wembley Stadium. Malek and the rest of the cast shine during these sections of the film, almost making the audience forget that Mercury is not the one onscreen. It’s because of these moments that many are saying Malek is deserving of an Oscar for the role — and I completely agree.
While the movie does not shy away from portraying Freddie Mercury’s bisexuality, the topic is not as clear or as representational as it could have been. The film is not technically at fault for this; Mercury was incredibly private about his personal life, specifically his relationships. According to Billboard, the remaining members of the band, Roger Taylor and Brian May, have respected Mercury’s privacy after his passing in 1991. The mysterious nature of his personal relationships in the film is no doubt the result of this continued privacy. However, the film does have a tendency to lose its focus on his bisexuality. A scene shared between Mercury and his fiancée Mary Austin suggests he is gay, causing some uproar on the film’s failure to accurately portray his sexuality. However, Mercury’s internal struggle in dealing with his sexuality, the struggles of fame and suggested drug-use do not leave much room for speculation as the film continues.
At the end of the day, “Bohemian Rhapsody” is a love letter to Freddie Mercury, a man who touched so many lives and continues to inspire future generations. If you’re looking for a movie that will leave you feeling energized, this is a film you need to check out this weekend. You’ll also find yourself listening to nothing but Queen afterward, but that’s definitely not a problem.