Hammer to Fall: Review of Bohemian Rhapsody

Bohemian Rhapsody

Director: Bryan Singer

By Alex Watson

There was controversy surrounding Bohemian Rhapsody before it was even released. Due to continuous problems and behaviour surrounding director Bryan Singer- Fox was forced to fire him and hire Dexter Fletcher to finish the film. The result is a mixed success and although this movie does firmly capture the spirit and energy that Queen brought the music world- its depiction of Freddie Mercury feels almost too safe. However, Rami Malek proves to be the movies secret weapon and he perfectly embodies the great performer and persona that Mercury truly was.

In 1970, a toothy oddball named Farookh Bulsara (Rami Malek) meets two other misfits called Brian May (Gwilym Lee) and Roger Taylor (Ben Hardy) who perform in a struggling band named Smile. Together with bassist John Deacon (Joseph Mazzello), they form the band Queen and quickly ascend to the dizzying heights of music glory. While Freddie quickly becomes the face of the band, problems begin to develop both in and outside the band.

You can sense that Bohemian Rhapsody is treading a very careful path when depicting the life of Mercury. This was an artist who was unafraid to push the boundaries of what was appropriate, yet this movie feels very overly cautious and seems to determined just to play the hits. Singer glosses over the early years of Queen with too much speed. Immediately they go from playing colleges and pubs to selling out arenas. We never get the sense of success being earned the hard way and Anthony McCarten's script seems overly focused the life of Mercury. There are moments of hard-won respect- such as their struggle against the pushback of releasing the experimental Bohemian Rhapsody by EMI boss Ray Foster (Mike Myers). Their refusal to budge and confidence in their success makes you want to stand up and applaud. The band here is shown as a unit and more of this should have been included.

When it comes to Freddie himself, the movie sparkles brightest and injects real emotion and heart. As a character, he is always ready with a quick wit and has a stubborn streak a mile wide. Ever the perfectionist, he is always shown to strive for best- even if it means making Roger sing 'GALILEO' multiple times. Despite this fine and moving portrayal- Singer and McCarten seem afraid to depict the man he truly was. The over-focus on his lifelong companionship with Mary Austin (Lucy Boynton) feels like a misstep and we only get the briefest look at the romances he shared with any male lovers. In particular, it largely ignores his loving relationship with Jim Hutton and his eventual death from AIDS (referenced fleeting in an end title card). Were they afraid to tarnish the name of a man who was unafraid to bend the rules and live life to the fullest? This cautious feel drags down what could have been a great biopic.

While its scripting and feel might not sing the high notes, Bohemian Rhapsody does excellently bring to life just how energetic and fun Queen's live shows were. In glorious and thumping detail plus some excellent Freddie costumes, we find ourselves singing and nodding our heads to the hits. The high point comes from its stunning recreation of Queen's infamous 1985 Live Aid set. Capturing the fever and infectious showmanship that Mercury brought to the stage, you see the crowning glory of an already stellar band. Freddie is at his most complete during this stretch, strutting and commanding the stage and the audience alike as if it's his last moments on earth. While the movie ends on a high note, you are still hungry for more.

Sasha Baron Cohen was the original choice to play Freddie Mercury. But his departure was a blessing in disguise because they couldn't have chosen better than Rami Malek. The movie's shining light, Malek is magnificent as the flamboyant and effortless showman Freddie. Effortlessly bringing to life his ability to steal the spotlight along with his multi-range voice, Malek hits all the right notes. Always the centre of a party and never wanting the good times to end, we see at times a man on the verge of falling over the edge. His arrogance often threats to drive the family apart, but he shows a big heart and soul to continually rally the troops. His performance comes alive during the Live Aid set and wonderfully he recreates the performance move for move and resurrects one of the truly great live performances. Ben Hardy provides great support and some terrific one-liners as Roger Taylor and Gwilym Lee is excellent as the more level-headed Brian May, complete with the appropriate fuzzy hair.

Bohemian Rhapsody is a biopic that is not always in tune and misses a great opportunity to showcase one of the biggest showstopping bands of our time. Rami Malek however, deserves awards contention for his stunning performance. We are still waiting for the hammer to fall!

Touch The Sky: Review of Eddie The Eagle

Eddie The Eagle

Director: Dexter Fletcher

By Alex Watson

Celebrating a truly heroic failure, Eddie The Eagle is a movie that will make your heart soar. Although it is basically a by the number numbers heart warmer, the formula works perfectly for director Dexter Fletcher. It seems impossible to comprehend that a man such as Eddie Edwards dared to dream back at the 1988 Olympics, but although it takes some missteps this picture will still melt even the coldest person.

Eddie Edwards (Taron Egerton) is a young man with Olympic dreams, the problem is he lacks any talent at all. After some success at on the British Ski Team, he booted off by snobby chairman Dustin Target (Tim McInnery). However, after learning that Britain has no ski jump team, Eddie's hopes shift considerably and he travels to Germany to attempt to train. While there he meets alcoholic ex-ski jumper Bronson Peavy (Hugh Jackman) who attempts to dissuade him. Eddie's never say die attitude will not only win over Bronson but millions of fans worldwide.

Yes Eddie The Eagle is a very thinly veiled attempt at schmaltz, but if you approach this picture with an open mind it is a far smoother ride. His early pratfalls (one of many) raise a laugh as he goes from woefully misguided misfit to stealing the heart of the nation. Continually put down by his plasterer Dad (Keith Allen) Eddie is someone who just wants to succeed at anything. What he lacks in ability he makes up for in sheer determination and when he meets the drunken Peavy it is anything but encouraging. His mentor was once a highly rated talent by legendary coach Warren Sharp (Christopher Walken) who lost his chance due to his own arrogance.

When the action shifts to his life changing training in Ausberg, Germany it is by far the picture most entertaining section. Eddie nearly kills himself on many occasions while attempting jumps often to the mocking contempt/concern of more established competitors like champion Matti Nykanen (Edvin Endre). As Bronson grudgingly takes a shine to him, his fortunes begin to change (cue a training montage to Hall and Oates). This relationship between the two is what gives the movie its drive and despite Eddie's numerous accidents we year for him to make that jump. His real stroke of luck comes from the fact he is running unapposed for a place on the British team so all he has to do is achieve something modest and a place is his.

The finale of Eddie The Eagle takes place during the 1988 Calgary Olympics and here the movie takes on a more mushy feel. Featuring Jim Broadbent as an old school BBC commentator it does capture the euphoria that surrounded his presence. After making a disappointing jump, Eddie still breaks the British records and his wild celebrations make him an instant celebrity. There is a foreboding sense that Bronson worry about him simply being a novelty act is coming true. Journalists are more interested in his antics that how far he has come, Making a possibly suicidal choice to do the 90m jump has out hearts in our mouths. What follows is a finale of Cool Running type joy that will have you leaping for the underdog.

Although Taron Egerton is a young choice to play the real Edwards, he nonetheless convinces well. Showing his likeability that his role in The Kingsman brought, Egerton is very much the movies soul. Capturing Eddie's refusal to back down and his will to triumph, the young Welsh actor brings a true champion to life. Hugh Jackman fits well as the forever drunk Peavy but this is a role that tests him in any way. Give the movie a big name and Hollywood credibility goes a long way though and Jackman makes for a wonderful other half. Perhaps the only misfire was the bizarre inclusion of Christopher Walken who although adds a veterans touch, doesn't feel completely necessary.

In short, Eddie The Eagle is a movie that is good silly fun and for those wanting a reason to believe again this will be a good choice. Though be careful hitting the slopes afterward.