Bohemian Rhapsody is one of those songs that you have no choice but to sing along with when it plays. Most people know Bohemian Rhapsody, but not as many know the story of Freddie Mercury and how Queen made a meteoric rise to fame. The film “Bohemian Rhapsody” explores what comes along with fame and paints a beautiful, funny, and sad portrait of an eccentric individual who found the spotlight despite the multiple hurdles that faced him.

“Bohemian Rhapsody” provided a stylish and realistic account of 70s rock. While Freddie Mercury is not attractive in the typical sense, he has a swagger and uniquely eccentric confidence that is truly infectious. Rami Malek played Mercury perfectly; I actually believed that I was peering into the life of the Queen lead singer himself. After watching this movie, I feel that I understand Hollywood a bit more than before.

Freddie Mercury, born with the name Farrokh Bulsara, has an interesting upbringing. He was born in Zanzibar and raised by Parsi parents who practiced Zoroastrianism. Parsi is a person who descends from Persia but lives in India.

He spent another part of his life growing up in India before moving to England with his parents when he was in his late teens. His parents were quite strict and traditional, and they really did not like the idea of their son being a flamboyant rock star. I had no idea of Mercury’s background, but it doesn’t surprise me seeing how society likes to white-wash stars.

Mercury had been doubted and suppressed his entire life, and when his inner talent came out, it was too soon for the world. He was still struggling to come into his true self when he rose to fame, and if the movie is accurate this seems to be one of his major downfalls. Mercury has trouble making and keeping personal friendships and seems to struggle with his identity. This makes sense,
considering that he was so suddenly in the public spotlight, being watched and scrutinized by the world.

Mercury manages to be hilarious, pathetic, and a raging asshole all at the same time. There are moments when I loved his unashamed eccentricity and honesty, but at other times I cringed at his lack of finesse and general disregard for those around him. It made me think long and hard about who I would be if I suddenly became famous.

There have been a lot of movies being produced recently about the music industry. “Bohemian Rhapsody” was not quite the tearjerker that “Born A Star” was, but in its own right it was just as sad. Not everything in life is clear-cut and sad, some things are clouded by a silent lethargy, and “Bohemian Rhapsody” did a nice job of portraying this.

I didn’t know that Freddie Mercury was bisexual and would contract HIV AIDS until late on in high school. I just knew Queen as a stylish-looking band with a few songs that were great for bumping in the car with my friends. I have fond memories of being 16 years old driving around my small town at night with all of my best friends crammed into my Buick, singing Bohemian Rhapsody at the top of our lungs. I never gave much thought to whom the lead singer actually was beyond being a dope lyricist with a crazy vocal range.

I did not realize that Mercury pursued a solo career for a while before rejoining Queen, but I guess that goes to show how little I knew about Queen. It was interesting and also touching to see Mercury rejoin the band when he realized that he missed them and was feeling lost by himself. Mercury seems to be a complex and troubled person, even though he covers it with a façade of humor, nonchalance,
and cockiness.

I have seen some reviews about the movie saying that it was inaccurate in some ways, which I believe. Most movies tend to exaggerate and blow things out of proportion. I am no expert on Queen so therefore am not sure what is true and what is exaggerated, but I do appreciate that the film delved into the racial background and sexuality of Freddie Mercury. The soundtrack was also amazing, featuring music from Queen (of course) as well as some of the other big names in 70s rock.

Even if all of the facts were not perfectly accurate, “Bohemian Rhapsody” is a fun and stylish new release that is definitely worth a watch.

Bailee may be reached at [email protected]