Released just last week, the movie Bohemian Rhapsody is already a hit among Queen fans and movie-goers alike, and has grossed more than $61 million.
The movie follows the legendary rock band Queen, but more specifically, the band’s lead singer, Freddie Mercury. The movie begins with the formation of the band and closes with Queen’s performance at Live Aid in 1985, supposedly one of the best rock performances of all time. The movie traces Mercury’s struggle as he adapts to fame and wealth. As he sings in one of the band’s most well-known songs, We Are the Champions, “You brought me fame, and fortune, and everything that goes with it… but it’s been no bed of roses, no pleasure cruise.” Often times, we see Mercury struggling with loneliness and depression and turning to drugs or alcohol in the movie. Another big subject of the movie: Freddie’s sexuality. Over time, Mercury realizes he is gay and more or less embraces it. However, he doesn’t like to talk about it to the media, and chooses to live a very private life, seldom giving interviews. In the end, we do see that Mercury has been diagnosed with AIDS, although his death is not included in the movie.
The acting in the movie was done quite well. Freddie Mercury is played by Rami Malek. Malek is best known for his role as Elliot Anderson in Mr. Robot, which he won an Emmy for in 2016. Malek underwent remarkable changes in order to become Freddie Mercury including, fake teeth, outrageous costumes, and various hair (and facial hair) styles. The other actors, while less well known, were also convincing in their roles. Queen’s drummer, Roger Taylor, was played by Ben Hardy, eclectic guitarist Brian May was played by Gwilym Lee, and bassist John Deacon was played by Joseph Mazzello.
Although the acting, costumes and sets were elaborate, what really made the movie was the music. Hearing the instantly recognizable hits of Queen were some of my favorite moments of the movie. Even if you aren’t particularly a Queen fan, there are sure to be songs you are familiar with, like the movie’s namesake Bohemian Rhapsody, Another One Bites the Dust, Don’t Stop Me Now, and Somebody to Love. The movie makes you remember that, along with Freddie Mercury’s lively performances, the music is what makes the band so legendary. And that despite the ups and downs that the band and its members went through, at the end of the day, it was all about the music.
Click here to watch the trailer!