Review of Bohemian Rhapsody (2018) by Mark H — 30 Dec 2018

"Bohemian Rhapsody" is much like Queen itself: soaring transcendence at times and questionable thematic choices at others ("Fat-Bottomed Girls," really?). The shame is that there's so much material worth developing. Lead singer Freddie Mercury was born with four extra incisors, which gave him a unique ability for vibrato and contributed to his purported four-octave range. His family, who came to the UK from Zanzibar, practiced Zoroastrianism. Lead guitarist Brian May earned a PhD in astrophysics in 2007 and serves today as Chancellor of Liverpool John Moores University. Bassist/guitarist John Deacon completed a degree in electrical engineering and often built equipment for the band. Even the opaque lyrics of the song "Bohemian Rhapsody" merit fuller consideration.

Director Bryan Singer (best known for the X-Men series) seems to have no idea what to do with this embarrassment of riches. As a result, he delivers a depth of insight and analysis found only in the highest-quality comic books. The most egregious oversight is any thoughtful exploration of Mercury himself. Mercury had a long-term, apparently heart-felt, relationship with Mary Austin (who inspired "Love of My Life") before embarking on a series of relationships with men. While there is the broad suggestion that Mercury's sexuality was considerably more complicated than a simple "coming out," the topic remains unexplored. In general, Mercury's emotional life, much like his rampant alcohol/drug abuse, goes unremarked in the screenplay. Director Singer seems to justify this choice by offering a scene where Mercury defends his privacy against a stereotypically prying press corps. Like the scene itself, it's all a little jumbled and out of focus.

Even the Mercury vocals represent a curious choice. In fairness, it would be nearly impossible for any actor to replicate Mercury's unique vocal style. However, when album tracks are not used, the creative team has used isolated master tracks of Mercury in the studio mashed up with tracks from Canadian Christian rock singer Marc Martel and, perhaps, others. It is unclear what Rami Malek, who plays Mercury, contributes. In one interview, Malek charitably describes the result as "an amalgamation of a few voices.".

Worst of all, this screenplay reduces a potentially fascinating story to an exercise in paint-by-numbers. The arc of the story is totally predictable: star rises from humble beginnings, achieves great success, becomes an arrogant jerk, has a flash of self-awareness and a moment of redemption just before the final credits roll. In service of this trope, several facts are omitted or alternative facts created. For example, the screenplay depicts Queen's 1985 participation in Live Aid at Wembley Stadium as Mercury's act of final redemption following his diagnosis as HIV+. Inconveniently, Mercury was unaware of his medical condition until well after the event.

Having said all that, when the music rolls, wow! It is majestic, sweeping, moving, transcendent. Queen offers a soundtrack of the 70's and 80's. "We Are the Champions," "Somebody to Love," "We Will Rock You," and so many more. The catalog is lengthy and this show does them full justice, even occasionally offering insight into the creative process behind anthems many of us have hummed for decades. The director and performers take full advantage, making these musical numbers well worth the price of admission.

Malek is riveting in the leading role. He fully commits to this character, even to the point of wearing a dental prosthesis throughout the film. Because of Malek's skill, the general impression of his character as Mercury is, at times, eerie, particularly the scenes on stage. Malek's ability to convey emotional distance yet accessibility, so clearly on display in "Mr. Robot," serves him admirably in this role.

The CGI of some of the concert scenes, particularly Wembley Stadium, is extremely effective, giving the moviegoer an acute sense of the size and passion of Queen's following around the world. One would hope that these effects are put to good use - the closing credits for CGI personnel seemed to number in the hundreds.

Bottom line: If you want to watch the soundtrack of an iconic band, portrayed compellingly, this film delivers in full measure. "Bohemian Rhapsody" is a whole lot more than a tribute band. However, If you want a thoughtful examination of the human condition, Freddie Mercury's or anyone else')s, you're in for a lengthy disappointment (running time is 2:13).