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Most everyone likes a good film biography of one of their favorite artists. Of course, these movies are fraught with peril, as fans have definite ideas about their idols, and if the script or actor playing the main character doesn’t measure up to either the history of fans’ expectations, the film will be excoriated.
Much attention was given to “Bohemian Rhapsody,” a look at the life of Queen frontman Freddie Mercury, which took home four Academy Awards last year.
Opinions on various movies will be varied and mixed, of course, but certain biopics are pretty much winners in most corners. So while we remain somewhat in semi-lockdown (at least as far as the arts are concerned) here are 10 great film biographies of music stars. In no particular order:
Walk the Line – This Johnny Cash biopic is certainly not perfect, but driven by the electric performances of Joaquin Phoenix as Cash and Reese Witherspoon as June Carter, the script is sturdy enough to allow them to shine. While the reception for the film was basically positive, some critics noted how it ignored the last few decades of Cash’s life. Witherspoon won an Oscar for her performance.
Straight Outta Compton – This 2015 film about the rap group N.W.A. became the highest-grossing musical biopic in history (passing the above-mentioned “Walk the Line” which held the record for 10 years) just two weeks after it was released. (It was passed by “Bohemian Rhapsody” three years later.) This film is particularly topical now in light of N.W.A.’s anti-police song, the name of which cannot be printed here. A fascinating look at the beginnings of Dr. Dre, Ice Cube and Eazy-E
Ray – Similar to “Walk the Line,” this biopic of Ray Charles is mainly fueled by the performance of the lead role, in this case Jaime Foxx as Charles. Foxx not only won the Oscar for Best Actor, but also the Golden Globe, BAFTA, Screen Actors Guild, and Critics’ Choice lead actor awards, making him only the second actor to win all five major leading role awards for the same performance.
Sid and Nancy – While this one may be a bit depressing, its brutal look at the abbreviated lives of Sex Pistols bassist Sid Vicious and his girlfriend Nancy Spungen is actually a somewhat romantic tale of two lost souls. Gary Oldman excels as Vicious and Chloe Webb came out of nowhere (her first film role) to capture the lovesick (and drug-sick) intensity of Spungen. Courtney Love had auditioned for the Nancy role, but it seems director Alex Cox made a wise choice here with Webb.
Rocketman – Last year’s film documenting the life of Elton John drew rave reviews, with lead actor Taron Egerton receding lauds from all corners, including kudos from John himself. The movie was also hailed for not softening the edges of the singer’s life.
Love & Mercy – This look at the life of The Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson was acclaimed by Time magazine as one of the best films of the year in 2015. While Wilson himself liked the performances (Paul Dano as the young Wilson and John Cusack as the older version), he also felt the movie focused too much on the darker aspects of his life.
La Bamba – A beautifully sculpted performance by Lou Diamond Phillips as seminal rocker Ritchie Valens, this film is largely carried by Valen’s music. But Phillips brings Valen’s earnestness to life. The movie also features several well-known musicians in supporting roles: Marshall Crenshaw as Buddy Holly and Brian Setzer (of Stray Cats fame) as Eddie Cochran.
Coal Miner’s Daughter – Four years after Sissy Spacek scared the daylights out of America with her portrayal of the title role in “Carrie,” she won the hearts of the nation (and critics) with her portrayal of country music legend Loretta Lynn. Lynn actually chose Spacek for the role, for which she won an Oscar.
I’m Not There – This somewhat off-kilter probe into Bob Dylan featured six actors portraying different facets of the mercurial songwriter’s personality. Somewhat surprisingly, although not really, considering her talent, Cate Blanchette received some of the biggest kudos for her Oscar-nominated performance.
Family Band – This “Behind the Music”-type look at The Cowsills is easily the least-known biopic on this list, but it also may be the best, as it actually features the members of the band recounting the turbulence behind their clean-cut image. A sad and poignant look and an underrated group that got boxed into an image they never wanted.
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