Year: 2018
Director: Bryan Singer
Country: UK
Language: English
Bohemian Rhapsody was a one of a kind Rock/Opera fusion that, at first, was considered an indulgent mess by critics at the time. Slowly overtime, specifically in part due to the SNL hit Wayne's World (1992), critics and fans warmed up to it and it became a song of legend. An experiemental song with a variety of tones, Queen defied the set glam rock formula and changed the course of music history.
This is the story of the legendary rock band Queen and lead singer Freddie Mercury (Rami Malek), leading up to their famous performance at Live Aid (1985).
It's unfortunate that this film isn't as bold and brave as the song its title is based on. We get the usual "band breaks up because of singer's ego, singer learns his ways" biography formula and a truck-load of shallow anecdotes that would make wikipedia blush. Screenwriter Anthony McCarten's paint by numbers script is full of cliches and corny elements; such as arguements that happen in the rain. You see, the rain is symbolic of their inner turmoil! Wow!
Perhaps the saving grace of the picture, the element that saves Bohemian Rhapsody from being a complete bomb, is Rami Malek. He captures the essence of Freddy Mercury and plays the performer to perfection. Put them side by side and I think people would have difficulty telling the difference. Both have tremendous stage precense, which is a huge compliment to Rami.
Never reaching the highs it ought to, and barely reaching any signifigant lows, Bohemian Rhapsody is an over-rated picture with one notable accomplishment in the form of Malek. The Live Aid performance, although it cannot match the real deal, is quite satisfactory. However, one great scene cannot make up for an overall bad picture.
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