'Bohemian Rhapsody' is the extraordinary tale of one man; from his humble beginning as Farrokh Bulsara from Zanzibar to his tragic AIDS diagnosis as rock hero Freddie Mercury.
The tagline says it all “The only thing more extraordinary than their music is his story.”
Bohemian Rhapsody is the extraordinary tale of one man; from his humble beginning as Farrokh Bulsara from Zanzibar to his tragic AIDS diagnosis as rock hero Freddie Mercury.
The film follows Freddie’s life from 1970 when he meets future bandmates Roger Taylor and Brian May, and continues right up to their phenomenal Live Aid performance in 1985.
Focusing heavily on Freddie’s personal life the film explores his sexuality and relationships with close-friend Mary Austin, partner Jim Hutton and manager Paul Prenter.
The controversies surrounding the film – Sacha Baron Cohen leaving the film, director Bryan Singer being replaced – leave little impact on the final result.
Mr Robot star Rami Malek shines as the legendary Mercury. Malek has Freddie’s signature pout and commanding stage presence down to a tee.
To the viewer, he is Freddie, not the second choice but the only choice.
Co-stars Joseph Mazzello (bassist John Deacon), Ben Hardy (drummer Roger Taylor) and Gwilym Lee (guitarist Brian May) complete the band.
Lee is the near doppelganger of May, and along with the rest of the band provides a few elements of humour to the film.
Laced with classic Queen songs 'Bohemian Rhapsody' gives an insight into the makings of their famed music and image.
It is so easy to be engrossed in the film, so much so that at times you forget the reality of Freddie’s life until the gut-wrenching scene in which he admits his AIDS diagnosis to his bandmates.
However, we miss out on the last six years of Freddie’s life, merely hearing about his illness instead of witnessing it. Likewise, the viewer misses out on truly seeing his relationship with Hutton blossom.
Despite this 'Bohemian Rhapsody' is the heart-breaking story of the legend that is Freddie Mercury, a fitting tribute to his life and legacy which allows Queen fans to feel that much closer to the star.