Bohemian Rhapsody

Bohemian Rhapsody (7.5/10)
Genre: Drama/Biopic/Musical
Director: Bryan Singer
Cast: Rami Malek, Lucy Boynton, Gwilym Lee, Ben Hardy, Joseph Mazzello, Aidan Gillen, Mike Myers, Tom Hollander
Country: UK/USA
Language: English

Is it good? Is it bad? Historical inaccuracies? Here’s the thing – it’s a film about Freddie Mercury and a bit of Queen, so who cares what it is? Because “Nothing matters, anyone can see… Nothing really matters… Nothing really matters to me.” Still, if you are looking for something authentic or factually appropriate then rather watch the acclaimed 2011 documentary ‘Queen: Days of Our Lives’. 

Bohemian Rhapsody has its flaws and limitations - it’s not like Oliver Stone’s ‘The Doors’, which is a cinematic trip with a very serious and daunting tone. Keeping aside all the negativities, Bohemian Rhapsody is one hell of an entertaining ride that gave me goosebumps at regular intervals, and perhaps the only film where I could sing-along with 95 percent of the soundtrack, except maybe ‘I’m in love with my car (actually I kinda a liked the song now).’ 

Now, everyone is aware of the film's production debacles -Bryan Singer getting fired even before shooting wrapped up, creative differences between first-choice actor Sascha Baron Cohen (who was supposed to play Freddie), other directors being replaced, writers as well, and a film that took almost a decade to finally appear on screen from initial concept to actual release. It could have easily been the ‘Justice League’ of biopics, but the result is notably pleasing, at least to me. 

The film maintains a balance between drama and humor, while the first half is a little light-hearted, the second turns a bit more serious. The songs are perfectly arranged throughout the film, something you would have ascertained with Brian May and Roger Taylor serving as music producers. The costume, make-up, casting, production design (especially the Live Aid stage), and other details such as instruments, gears, etc. were pretty accurate. 

Story-wise, it’s not a film where you’ll see a comprehensive biopic of the band or its members, rather it is more about their rise to fame as well as some of their cult compositions. Of course, as mentioned, there are a lot of inaccuracies, but that will hardly distract you as an audience unless you’re some history geek. The story shows the life of legendary Queen vocalist Freddie Mercury and his time with the band till their world-famous Live Aid Concert. 

Although Bryan Singer was fired almost two weeks before the shoot got completed, for his erratic behavior and issues with lead actor Rami Malek, he did direct some of the crucial scenes and deserves praise. Actor-director Dexter Fletcher, who directed the Elton John biopic, replaced Singer and oversaw the entire post-production. Newton Thomas Sigel’s cinematography and John Ottman’s editing gave life to the film. 

The performances are the main highlight in the film. Almost the entire world is praising Rami Malek’s breathtaking portrayal as Freddie Mercury, trust me, there’s nothing more to add. But to me, Gwilym Lee’s performance as Brian May is criminally underrated, at times it felt like Brain May himself was on screen. Ben Hardy and Joseph Mazzello portrayed Roger Taylor and John Deacon respectively. Then we have Aidan Gillen, Mike Myers, and Tom Hollander in supporting roles with Lucy Boynton as Mercury’s partner Mary Austin. The film also features a cameo by current Queen vocalist - Adam Lambert. 

I was in the seventh standard when I got hold of my first ever Queen album ‘The Works’ that was lying in a shoebox at one of my friend's place, and since then everything I have heard or knew about Queen, Bohemian Rhapsody seemed like a fitting tribute to one of the greatest bands to ever live on Earth. And yeah! Fuck the inaccuracies – the show must go on.