by John Zenoni
Here it is, my take on ‘Bohemian Rhapsody.’ First let me begin by saying that my overall experience could have been much better because nothing ruins a movie faster for me than people who continue to talk, even in a low voice, after the previews. I don’t even like people talking during the previews! When you sit your butt down in those seats and the previews start, shut your pie-hole, people! You can talk outside! But I digress...
Anyway, I loved the film overall but say that with some mixed emotions because there were some scenes where I felt like the actors tried a tad ‘too hard’ to be like the real life characters they were portraying. To start, the storyline itself was good and kept me entertained from the get-go.
The moment I saw Rami Malek, portraying Freddie Mercury, I was captivated and knew I was going to see a great performance. The introduction of Freddie to his future band-mates was done very well and it gave good insight, not a lot of background though, into how they worked their way to the top. As for the band members, Brian May, John Deacon and Roger Taylor, the actors portraying them did a great job and I commend them for their performances. They were all very much spot-on in terms of appearances, especially Gwilym Lee as Brian May (who looked and acted just like Brian May from the interviews and performances I have seen) and Joseph Mazzello as John Deacon. Ben Hardy, who portrays Roger Taylor, was good but just not as good as the others.
But then of course you have the star of the show, Freddie Mercury himself, who apparently was as flamboyant in his lifestyle as he was on stage. I am not sure why the film is being criticized for not exploring his sexuality and diagnosis with AIDS as to me this was very well covered. I didn’t find anything insulting or insensitive about the way these things were portrayed either so I need to read more into what all the ruckus is about. Anyway, there were moments where I could really see Rami Malek as Freddie Mercury and then there were some scenes where I just saw the actor (with fake teeth) trying to be Freddie Mercury. For the most part, he does an outstanding job, especially as the film goes on and I want to believe it's because he became more comfortable with the character. There were others who were integral to the story, including Freddie’s parents, with whom he had a difficult relationship, especially his father, then his business partner, who really just used him and fed into his wild lifestyle of drinking, drugs and promiscuous sex, and most critical, the love of Freddie’s life, Mary Austin, portrayed by Lucy Boynton, who did a great job. I have to say I knew in real life Freddie Mercury had a female love interest early on but had no idea he asked her to marry him so this was a fun fact to learn.
It was a surprise to see Mike Meyers in this film who does a very good job in the short time he's in it. But the real star of this film is the music and the recreation of one of the most historic moments in rock history -- Queen’s 1985 performance at Live Aid. The recreation is uncanny and Rami Malek and crew give the performances of the film during these scenes. Even with a few minor complaints about performances I still think this is is great film and would see it again!
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