I admit I am one of those who heard the music of Queen growing up, but it wasn’t until it was featured in “Wayne’s World” that I truly began to enjoy it, and the more I found out about their work, I feel like it is the music that belongs to those of us that feel like we are on the outside looking in. Anthony McCarten and Peter Morgan have written the story of “Bohemian Rhapsody” from the band’s origin, ups and downs, and everything in between up to their performance at Live Aid without going too deep into the darker parts of their story (which I don’t feel it needs to, as it isn’t strict biography of any of their specific members.
Bryan Singer had his largest set yet, constructed for the Live Aid stage, which is just one of the many things he got right directing of this film. There are pieces of their history I learned as the film went on which have made me appreciate Queen’s music even more, like the origins of the megahit “We Will Rock You,” or how they so believed in themselves even when others didn’t. Along with a strong script is an even stronger cast, led by Rami Malek who brings Freddie back to us briefly and brilliantly in everything from iconic moments on stage to his mannerisms during interviews. Ben Hardy as Roger Taylor, Joe Mazzello as John Deacon, and Ben Hardy as John Taylor all interact with each other as the film progresses and you see how Queen really is a family, in and of itself.
After watching this film, it has inspired me to listen to The Platinum Collection (Greatest Hits I, II, III) and remembering moments from it as the songs went through their vast career as they applied to the film, even a debate about who is in love with their car. For any fan of music, I strongly suggest going to see “Bohemian Rhapsody.