"BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY"
ROCKED ME
- November 24, 2018
Bonnie Errin
Many are remembering Freddie Mercury today on the 27th anniversary of his untimely death. I remember too those days – when Queen first rocked the world. Despite the many reviews to the contrary (who believes them anyway), “Bohemian Rhapsody” is a fantastic movie and tribute to Freddie.
Rami Malek who played Freddie fully captured Freddie’s creative genius and incredible talent. Complete with prosthesis, we saw the early days when Freddie first joined the band and met the love of his life, Mary Austin, wonderfully played by Lucy Boynton. We were touched throughout the movie with Freddie’s love for Mary that would never be complete. The movie also developed the complex relationship between Freddie and his parents. I’m certain many a father and son were moved by the scene where Freddie and his father finally resolved their differences. Freddie was able to convince his father that he had, in his own way, become the man his father always wanted him to be.
It was very entertaining getting a glimpse of Queen as they created their music. Although the movie made it appear Freddie drove the band’s success, it was evident that all the band members were key and played a part in making Queen a legend. The constant bickering and push-back produced music perfection. And the concert shots showing the thousands of fans reminded us of the immense popularity of Queen during their heyday.
The AIDS scenes at the end were bittersweet. We were reminded that being infected with HIV/AIDS was a death sentence at that time. And we felt cheated in losing Freddie to a now manageable condition.
“Bohemian Rhapsody” seems to have launched a type of Queen revival. I knew it was serious when my 22-year-old son looked up from his cell phone long enough to tell me about a popular movie called “Bohemian Rhapsody”. He asked if I had heard of it. I’m sure the new generations introduced to Queen for the first time will understand why Freddie was considered the best singer in rock history. He brought color and emotion to song. This on top of his astounding vocal ability and charismatic performances.
Those of us who came of age with Queen will still stop and listen whenever Bohemian Rhapsody is played. We take it to heart that we are the champions of the world. And we will stomp our feet when Queen rocks us. To Queen, and especially to Freddie, we thank you all.