Last week I went, with Mr FF, to see the Queen biopic ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’. We are currently in the UK and as it’s quite unusual to find a film that we both want to see, we thought we would seize the moment! I must confess this is mainly down to me, as I have quite a specific taste in films, whereas the other half is much more open minded.
I was a student in the 70s and Queen’s music was a backdrop to my studies. I must confess that originally I wasn’t a huge fan of their music. I preferred Deep Purple, Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin, to name a few, but I soon began to appreciate Queen’s music a lot more.
When my sons were young, Queen was the background music on long car journeys, particularly when we drove to France. To this day, they still remember most of the lyrics to Queen’s greatest hits!
I already knew that the film had been years in the making and that there had been lots of production problems. The original actor selected to play Freddie Mercury, Sacha Baron Cohen, left the film after ‘creative differences’ with Brian May – allegedly.
I was also aware that the film had been panned by the critics, although loved by film audiences. It is a two hour celebration of Queen, their music and the phenomenon known as Freddie Mercury. I cannot put into words how much I enjoyed this film. Rami Malek who plays Freddie was amazing in capturing the essence of Freddie. I was also blown away by Gwilym Lee who plays Brian May. I would never have guessed that he had played John Barnaby’s sidekick in Midsomer Murders.
My one recommendation would be to take some tissues! I wasn’t expecting to feel as moved as I did, on many different levels.
I don’t have many regrets but I do have one in relation to Queen. I was invited to see Queen perform at Wembley. I said ‘no’. What could I have been thinking?!
Have you seen Bohemian Rhapsody? What did you think? Are you a Queen fan? I’d love to know…
Oh yes, I’m totally with you there June! I went with quite low expectations because of my awareness of the reviews and the difficulties encountered throughout the film’s making. But what a joy it was – what a film. And in my view thank goodness Sacha Baron Cohen walked away as I would’ve just seen Sacha Baron Cohen in the role, while Rami Malek was simply Freddie. Also, having seen A Star is Born, which was good, I didn’t expect to be so moved by the film. Tissues are definitely needed!
I do hope those who haven’t seen the film will seek it out after your endorsement 🙂
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I agree with you totally about Sacha Baron Cohen. Rami Malek absolutely ‘got’ Freddie. I don’t know of anyone who has seen BH (apart from the critics) and not loved the film.
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I so have to go see it!!!!!!
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Yes, please do and then let me know what you think!
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My son and daughter in law really enjoyed the film too. We went to see the musical ‘We will rock you’ some years ago and had unknowingly booked on its second anniversary. What an unexpected treat it was when Brian May came on stage and sang with the cast!
I was also a Led Zep, Pink Floyd and Deep Purple kind of girl. Deep Purple were the very first band I saw live – Birmingham Town Hall, February 1973.
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We also saw the musical but weren’t lucky enough to get an appearance from Brian May. I never got to see Deep Purple but ‘Smoke on the Water’ transports me back to amazing college discos… happy days!
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I haven’t seen it yet June but have been meaning to go, as I do like Queens music, although like you I prefer Led Zep, Pink Floyd & Deep Purple. I worked with someone years ago who went to a party at Freddie Mercury’s house, I was mesmerized by his account of it. So flamboyant and the ultimate showman…. and party host apparently.
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If you can see it, Fiona – do! I’d love to know what you think too. In the film, there is a Freddie party which is totally outrageous but it must have been amazing to be there.
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OMG went to see Bohemian Rhapsody with a good friend of mine in a wonderful cinema in Cape Town called the Labia which in itself is like going back in time! Very reminiscent of cinemas in the 60/70’s so to watch this film here was like going back in time in more ways than one!
Rami Malek was superb in the Freddie role. The sheer mention of Biba brought memories flooding back of wonderful Saturdays rummaging through the memorable Kings Road store. The movie was gripping from start to finish – hysterically funny and solemnly sad. Memories of friends who passed away with dreaded Big A 😪 Not a dry eye in the house and that included the guys!
Best film in ages
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So glad you enjoyed the film as much as I did. Did you remember I worked in the ‘Big Biba’ (Kensington High Street) when I was a student; loved it!
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