‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ the movie has had exactly the same reception as the band Queen - that is one of smug aloofness from the middle-class broadsheet critics. Predictably Malek’s performance is praised whilst the film is mocked as ‘boring’ ‘predictable’ even ‘like Spinal Tap’. These reviews are lazy and you can happily ignore them. The film is utterly engaging, odd, very ambitious and multi-layered - exactly like the band’s music. It tells a fascinating story of another time and the poignant story of a man struggling - with determination - to find where he belongs. Relationships are handled a little too lightly at times but you always get the right flavour of what’s going on. All of the actors do a great job at creating convincing likeable characters who are both rock stars and ordinary blokes. A little more of Queen’s extremely high quality musicianship would have been nice - but there’s enough. The glaring omission for me was the lack of the humour which Freddie Mercury was well known and loved for. But in the end these are just quibbles. The music comes to life fantastically especially the segue from the slightly comical scene of May explaining ‘We Will Rock You’ to its existence as a live phenomenon. The sense of what these recording and performing experiences were like for the band is captured beautifully - a simple intimacy is achieved. In the end the most poignant and Queen-like theme at the heart of the film is the creation and meaning of the title song which is wonderfully teased at almost from the film’s beginning to its end. 5/5 A magnificent and fitting cinematic experience.
There are aspects that could have been better, just like any movie. But true fans of Queen and of Freddie Mercury will feel a deep personal connection to this film in ways no critic could possibly comprehend.
The recreation of how many of the songs came to be - the writing process and recording process - was simply amazing. More so, the recreation of the Live Aid concert legitimately brought me to tears. It was absolutely superb, and Rami truly personified Freddie in a way we could only have dreamed of. I do feel that the ending could have been stronger in ways, or that touching on Freddie’s struggles towards the end of his life and how those around him rallied out of love would have made this movies ending slightly better...but as someone whose best friend has HIV I may be biased in that opinion. But I truly feel that they missed an opportunity to bring more awareness to the disease. On the other hand, some would say they are glad this movie did not focus on Freddie dying of aids because that simply was the end of his life, and not his ultimate legacy. Regardless of anything else, Bohemian Rhapsody will tug at the heartstrings of any true fan, and will definitely be loved and adored for years to come. This ones for you Freddie. You have touched and changed more lives than you could have ever dreamed or hoped for. Thank you ❤️
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