By Ben Thompson
On the day I saw ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’, it’d been exactly twenty seven years since Freddie Mercury had passed away. Dying at only 45 years old, Mercury left behind a legacy that is yet to be outdone. This film not only does his story justice, it is a perfect love letter to Queen and to music in general.
The film does not give a sanitised version of Mercury’s story. The audience see him at his lowest points, and we’re almost drawn to dislike him in those moments – but who could stay angry with Freddie Mercury?
These moments also make it all the more satisfying when we see him triumph. The Live Aid scene is an immersive cinematic masterpiece, positioning the audience as concert spectators, creating an overwhelming urge to tap your feet and sing along.
While fans of Queen will almost undoubtedly love this film, some creative liberties have been taken. The casual movie-goer may not pick up on some inaccuracies – Freddie Mercury didn’t know he had AIDs before Live Aid, for instance, as presented in the film – but some die-hard fans may be raising an eyebrow here and there.
This is not a documentary, however, and as a biopic, it is a triumph of its genre.
Featured image and gallery: Georgina Hurdsfield The gloomy refrain “I hate the facts, I hate the situation” echoes affirmatively among the gothic furnishings of the Albert Hall. The fact is that 5000 fans have converged under the ornate roof; the situation being the first of Bakar’s two sold-out shows in Manchester. The aforementioned lyrics couldn’t…
Featured image and gallery: Ameena Ceesay So-Cal band Of Mice & Men have spent the better part of a decade rising through the metalcore ranks. A couple months from the release of their 8th studio album, Tether, and as part of their UK and Europ…well, Germany tour, they grace the Rebellion stage and proceed to…
Featured Image and gallery: Ben Redshaw From West End childhood star and karate world champion to BRIT Award-winning popstar, Anne-Marie arrives at the AO Arena on the back of her third studio album, Unhealthy. Leah Kate, an American singer best known for her post-heartbreak songs, is the opener. Kate tells the story of sliding into…
Featured image and photography: Anna Klekot The Bound Art Book Fair returned to The Whitworth art gallery this month, featuring over 65 exhibitors showcasing a range of creative work including zines, books and posters. The gallery was filled with independent publishers and artists showcasing creative projects, and featured free artist talks open to the public,…
Leave a reply