Film: Bohemian Rhapsody
Cast: Rami Malek, Gwilym Lee, Ben Hardy, Joe Mazzello, Aaron McCusker, Ace Bhatti
Director: Bryan Singer
Rating: * * * *
At the outset, one must confess one wanted Sacha Baron Cohen in this biopic of the rock phenomenon Freddie Mercury (real name Farrokh Bulsara). However, Rami Malek makes the role of the lead singer of Queen, his own despite not having the slightest (physical) resemblance to the bawa from Bombay who passed himself off as non-bawa and non-Indian in merrie Englande.
But amazing grace, how sweet was the sound that issued from his throat! So, all is forgiven for the fabulous music. One can rhapsodise too about the bohemian’s refusal to straighten his buck teeth, possibly in the fear it would affect his vocals. Just like Barbra Streisand declined a rhinoplasty on her nose. Both Streisand and Mercury had an amazing range – how many octaves? Three and a half? Certainly, he had have made a great operatic singer.
Director Singer underlines the deep bonds that Freddie forged with other rock musicians and his ex-girlfriend Mary Austin (Lucy Boynton) who would remain a loyal buddy. Eventually, Freddie would realise the joys of togetherness with Jim Hutton (Aaron McCusker) but his promiscuous lifestyle (sex, drugs) catches up on him: In 1991, Freddie Mercury died from AIDS-related pneumonia.