Bohemian Rhapsody

Official Australian release date: 1/11/18. Viewed: 2/11/18.

Director: Bryan Singer

Actors: Rami Malek, Lucy Boynton, Gwilym Lee, Ben Hardy

Genre: Music / Drama

Rating: M

     

‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ is the story of Queen, one of England – and the world’s – greatest ever rock bands. More specifically, the film focuses predominantly on Freddie Mercury (Malek)’s life, genius and struggles. It must be said that Malek, his mannerisms and fake teeth are exceptionally close to the real-life Freddie.

The film is helped by not being 100% about their music, albums and touring, but also not spending excessive time with Freddie’s personal life. The other Queen members get their fair share of screen time – guitarist Brian May (Lee, uncannily similar), drummer Roger Taylor (Hardy) and bass player John Deacon (Mazello) – and have lots of good moments. Mary (Boynton) plays a key figure, being Freddie’s wife early on.

The film does delve into some of the trappings of celebrity that Freddie fell into, but does showcase Queen’s music superbly – the making of Bohemian Rhapsody, Another One Bites The Dust and We Will Rock You is fun and insightful. The climax of the film is Freddie seeing his parents and then an almost note-for-note replica of Queen’s Live Aid performance at Wembley Stadium and it’s superb.

Overall: Excellent if you like Queen, still great even if you somehow don’t.

Gav's Rating: 4 stars.