A biopic is notoriously difficult to get right. The subject matter is often well known by legions of fans and this is especially true of Freddie Mercury and Queen’s meteoric rise to fame and attainment legend status. How do you condense such a larger than life, genial, life into two hours?
While most point out the script as the most important key to any successful film casting isn’t far behind. It would have been a difficult question to answer if you were asked who could possibly be capable of portraying the magnificent Freddie Mercury. After all, he isn’t only a legend of his own generation but continues to be regarded as such till today.
The fate of this film was always going to hang on the portrayal of Freddie Mercury and Rami Malek delivers a mesmerising performance that you will not soon forget. In the performance/singing scenes, he makes you believe that he is Freddie Mercury. It can’t and won’t be a surprise to anyone if Malek picks up an Oscar for this portrayal. The casting too of Brian May, Roger Taylor, and John Deacon is spot on.
Visually, the film excels brilliantly, especially when allowing the audience to experience the 1985 Live Aid stage from the performer’s perspective. This is particularly when seeing Bohemian Rhapsody in IMAX is more than worth it. If you don’t experience several goosebump moments and tear up at least once then you need to have a doctor check your pulse.
In an era where most pop songs sound the same, it’s no surprise that four decades later we still can’t stop listening to Bohemian Rhapsody. It would be a travesty of monumental proportions if the world, in any era, ever forgot about the majestic brilliance of Queen and Freddie Mercury. With this film, their legacy has been it safeguarded even more. What a joy the whole experience was.
Screening courtesy of Baywest Ster Kinekor.
