The opening lyric to Bohemian Rhapsody ask Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? These words written by Queen front man, Freddie Mercury sums up that life he lived almost perfectly. I say almost because the real life especially behind the music was often times lonely and tragic while the fantasy was his escape. Warning, spoilers ahead…
Bohemian Rhapsody not only tells the story of one of rock’s greatest bands but sheds new light on the triumph and tragedy of Freddie Mercury. Freddie was born Farrokh Bulsara of Parsi decent from Zanzibar (known today as part of Tanzania). Rhapsody is a typical music bio-pic that illustrated the rise and not necessarily fall but struggle of the members of Queen focusing obviously on Mercury from his relationship or lack thereof with his father to his special relationship with Mary Austin (Lucy Boynton) to the formation of Queen after meeting with future band members Brian May (Gwiylm Lee) and Roger Taylor (Ben Hardy).
To say Freddie Mercury was a gifted song writer and singer with an extraordinary four-octave vocal range would be a gross understatement. He had a vision so few artists had or have. He never saw himself as the leader even though most including I believe his bandmates did. No, when approached as the leader at a news conference, he corrected the reporter by saying he was the lead singer nothing more, nothing less. Freddie saw Queen as his family. Of course with any family there are highs and lows and major disagreements. Rhapsody explores the highlights of that but doesn’t go too deep into it. Some may find that disappointing while others are more interested in the musical journey. I thought what was very telling in the relationship between Freddie and the other members of Queen was the inconsequential knowledge that Freddie was gay. No one cared nor should they. It was about the music, the collaboration and the bond. It was about family.
Like any good music bio-pic, Bohemian Rhapsody is loaded with classic Queen hits that should put a smile to any fan. The film is a love letter to Freddie but also a love letter to band and its fans. The fans were so important to them that it seems rare today that connection between artists and fans. Remember, this was long before social media. This affection was never more apparent than when the group played at Wembley Stadium for Live Aid. Queen owned the night. So much so it’s been documented that Elton John himself was screaming in enthusiasm for their powerful performance. Although Freddie would be around for another 6+ years. unfortunately he would succumb to AIDS. However, the legacy left behind with such songs as Another One Bites the Dust, Crazy Little Thing Called Love, Don’t Stop Me Now, Love of My Life, We Will Rock You, We Are the Champions and of course Bohemian Rhapsody will live on forever and so will Queen.
Directed by: Bryan Singer
Starring: Rami Malek, Lucy Boynton, Gwiylm Lee, Ben Hardy, Joseph Mazzello, Aidan Gillen, Tom Hollander, Allen Leech and Mike Myers
PG13 134 Mins
BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY – **** (out of 5 stars)
May the Dork be with you,
JPB
The Dork Knight
