Bohemian Rhapsody is a biographical drama about the life of Freddie Mercury and his journey in forming the iconic band Queen. The movie directed by Bryan Singer, which was later completed by Dexter Fletcher, takes us on a journey from the humble beginnings of the band to their triumphant performance at the Live Aid concert in 1985. The film was released by 20th Century Fox on November 2nd, 2018, and grossed a whopping $216 million.
The movie begins with the preparation for the Live Aid concert in 1985, and then transitions to the early days of Queen in 1970. Farrokh Bulsara, a young immigrant from Zanzibar, who later adopts the name Freddie Mercury meets Brian May and Roger Taylor after a performance of their band “Smile” at a pub. After the departure of their lead singer, Farrokh seizes the opportunity and asks to be their lead vocalist. The trio then seeks out John Deacon to become their bassist and completes the Queen lineup.
The film takes us on an emotional journey, detailing the struggles and triumphs of Queen. Freddie, determined to become a star, becomes the driving force behind the band’s success. With the help of Mary Austin, his muse and confidante, he transforms his image and style, both on and off stage. The band begins to play bigger and bigger venues, eventually signing with EMI and becoming world-famous after their hit single “Killer Queen.”
The band’s journey to stardom is not without its conflicts. Freddie’s artistic vision clashes with the record company’s demands, leading to Queen’s departure from EMI, and Freddie’s personal issues with his sexuality causes a rift within the band. These conflicts culminate in Freddie’s decision to leave Queen and embark on a solo career, which ultimately turns sour. It is only when a reunited Queen is invited to play at the Live Aid concert that Freddie realizes the importance of his band and reunites with them for the historic performance.
Review
Bohemian Rhapsody is a remarkable biopic about one of the greatest rock bands of all time. The performances in the film, particularly by Rami Malek, are absolutely phenomenal. Malek embodies the spirit of Freddie Mercury, delivering a tour-de-force performance that captures the essence and swagger of the legendary lead vocalist. The chemistry between the actors playing the members of the band is also impressive, creating a sense of camaraderie and passion that perfectly captures the spirit of Queen.
The film perfectly captures the essence of the band’s music, playing hits like “Another One Bites the Dust,” “We Will Rock You,” and the titular “Bohemian Rhapsody.” The soundtrack of the movie is a tribute to the timelessness of Queen’s music and serves as a reminder of their enduring legacy.
While the film was widely praised for Malek’s astonishing performance, some critics found issues with the narrative choices made in the movie. The biopic takes liberties with the actual timeline of Queen’s success and, at times, simplifies the complexities of Freddie’s life. Nevertheless, it remains a powerful and inspiring tribute to Freddie Mercury and the legacy of Queen.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Bohemian Rhapsody is a phenomenal biographical drama that takes the audience on an emotional and inspiring journey through the life of Freddie Mercury and the origins of Queen. With Rami Malek’s breathtaking performance, a killer soundtrack, and an engaging narrative, this film stands as a testament to the enduring influence of one of the greatest rock bands in history. Whether you’re a fan or a newcomer to their music, Bohemian Rhapsody is a must-watch.
