In highlight of the new Bohemian Rhapsody, Queen documentary that was just released, Freddie Mercury has entered my daily routine. The mild obsession began upon my attendance to the showing of this film. In seeing this with my mother she was able to give me insight on what it was like for her when Queen was in its prime and Freddie’s passing. She said she remembers being in high school and hearing the news of his passing in November of 1991. She said there was fear because of how little they knew of aids at the time and a sadness at such a talent gone far too soon.
The movie Bohemian Rhapsody was phenomenal. I feel that Rami Malek portrayed the “Freddie Mercury” respectfully and with taste. But when he was Farrokh Bulsara there was immense compassion. Farrokh, the man behind Freddie Mercury was a very vulnerable individual. He is soft spoken, kind, compassionate, and also scared. He lived his entire life in the character of Freddie Mercury, who was an escape from himself.
The movie brought to light who Farrokh was an how private he was even as Freddie. But what both identities had in common was raw, emotional talent. As Freddie he was an icon and someone to idolize. He was able to control audiences reaching the 100,000 just by a simple riff from his voice.
Freddie Mercury also kept his life very private from the public eye. He fought with drugs, his identity and his sexual identity. At the time it was not ideal to be bisexual. It was either you were heterosexual or just gay. Anything other than these ideals you were still singled out. But, on stage, this was something that was not of any importance. Being on stage was his way of expressing feeling and emotion. Either through his voice or strong pelvic thrusting.
When watching Bohemian Rhapsody, I felt that through Rami I was able to see under Freddie and into Farrokh. I felt his pain when he learned that he now had aids, I felt his confidence in that Live Aid performance, and I felt such sadness when the credits began to roll up the screen. I felt that this can’t be it! There must be more! But sadly, this was how most people, like my mother, in 1991. He had so much more to do.
When I returned to campus I was hit with a new perspective on life. Live to the fullest! Don’t let the social binaries stop you from living your best life! Call everyone darling and walk with an arched back and a chin in the air, own a yellow jacket, grow a mustache, aviator glasses? I now see life with a purpose and a motive. In changing my attitude, I saw a change within people I began to talk to. In learning from Freddie, I am able to see others with no filter. Did I forget to mention he was a Graphic Designer like me? Farrokh and I have a lot in common.
Sources:
Freddiemercury.com
https://queenpoland.wordpress.com/foto/freddie-mercury-1980-86/freddie-at-wembley/