Bohemian Rhapsody (2018)
I’d rather just watch his live performances.
Presentation:
A film about one of the most charismatic performers in rock music sounds like a recipe for success. The flashing visuals and retention editing match the flamboyance of Queen’s rockstar, but something feels very soulless about it. Rami Malek does have an uncanny resemblance to Freddie Mercury, but he simply doesn’t bring the same intensity that made him universally adored. During the quiet parts, Rami’s reticent personality fits the bill, but when he’s required to bring it to a 10 he falls short. The music also feels like a generic copy particularly for the high definition re-rendering of his famous Live Aid performance, which also never matches the same energy of the live crowd.
Conclusion:
This might be a great biography for anyone that hasn’t watched Queen perform live, but for those that have this only adds pointless visuals to a superior live experience. The drama aspects are treated with ambivalence, feeling like background noise for what is ultimately a forgettable reception toward what should be an enthralling personality. His charisma, performance and personal life all feel like a 7 when they should feel like a 10. Normally these types of reenactments should make you want to listen again and again, but I found myself wanting to skip this song.
Recommendations
If only filmmaking could resolve all Iranian conflicts.