“Now we’re four misfits who don’t belong together, we’re playing for the other misfits. They’re the outcasts, right at the back of the room. We’re pretty sure they don’t belong either. We belong to them.”
In my humble opinion, when you aim to direct a biopic, you are already setting up yourself for failure, in a certain way. The best you can do is remain as true to someone’s life story as possible, and create a film that will be enjoyable and respectful.
Bohemian Rhapsody, the film, has invited much critique and censure, not unlike its eponymous song, which was largely disliked by critics when it was first released.
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The film admittedly deals with Freddie Mercury’s and Queen’s journey at a surface level. But it does this with a certain passion and affection that shines through. The acting of the cast is stupendous. Rami Malek, in particular, effaces himself to morph into a queer musical genius, and is unrecognisable as himself.
“The human condition requires a bit of anaesthesia,” says Freddie at one point of time, and the same could be argued for the film’s plot, which is disjointed, morally problematic, and takes quite some creative liberties.
But, does it make you love Freddie and Queen? Does it move you to tears? Does it make you — the eternal misfit — feel like you belong?
Yes. Yes, it does.
Highly recommended for Queen fans!
Rating: 3.5/5
By Soven Trehan
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Mixed thoughts on this one… entertaining yet not completely overwhelming. Great review, nonetheless, Soven.