Biopic "Bohemian Rhapsody" will rock you

Rating: 3.5/4“Bohemian Rhapsody” premiered on Nov. 2, and topped the box office in its first weekend. The film captures the essence of Freddie Mercury and the boldness he brought to the industries of music and fashion. Over the course of the film, Mercury makes the transition from Farrokh Bulsara, a Parsi man working at Heathrow Airport in London to a globally known rockstar in one of the hottest bands in the industry, Queen. Mercury connects with his bandmates when he attends a performance of theirs as a fan and subsequently, becomes their lead singer. Fans will be enthralled by the eccentric costumes and personality which Rami Malek brings to the stage in his rockstar portrayal of Mercury. Queen becomes globally known and completes several world tours, chronicled throughout the film, following the success of the daring song “Bohemian Rhapsody.” Through the film, audiences become part of the behind the scenes process as the film discusses the struggles Queen faces while attempting to defy the standards of the music industry heavyweights. During such conflict, Rami Malek displays a stellar semblance of Mercury’s persistent individuality. Artfully portraying Mercury’s refusal to accept the obstacles put forth by those in control of the music business, he strikes a healthy balance between the stubbornness and spirit which shaped the icon’s vibrant career. Had Queen aligned with the fashion and musical genres of their time, the band would not have experienced the extensive success or their legacy which still prevails today. Alongside the music beloved by Queen fans and Mercury’s outrageous sense of fashion, he contends with his sexuality and the battle with HIV/AIDS which ultimately ends his life and career. The film offers a poignant look into Mercury’s attempts to extend his singing career in spite of the physical obstacles posed by the virus and to prioritize relationships with his bandmates and the man for whom he cared most. Over the course of the film, Malek humanizes Mercury by portraying him as a multifaceted man not singularly defined by his sexuality. A particularly touching moment of dialogue between Malek’s character and Jim Hutton, Mercury’s future boyfriend, provides glimpses into Mercury’s struggle to be truly honest with himself and others. Controversy has stricken the film as members of the LGBTQ community have claimed that the film does not accurately portray Mercury’s life as a gay man. While the film does portray Mercury as a sexual being, the filmmakers do not do so in a manner of disrespect. To claim someone to have had multiple sexual partners in a disrespectful frame is to suggest that such a reality is taboo and to stigmatize Mercury’s boldness of spirit. The film does a great job of embracing Mercury’s sexuality rather than portraying him as sexually reckless. So go see the film “Bohemian Rhapsody.” People of all ages will enjoy singing along to their favorite Queen hits and will learn to appreciate the beauty of risk-taking.