Detailed Summary
Introduction: Freddie Mercury’s Humble Beginnings
The film begins with Freddie Mercury (played by Rami Malek) working as a baggage handler at Heathrow Airport. Born Farrokh Bulsara in Zanzibar, he has aspirations of breaking into the music scene. He meets Brian May (Gwilym Lee) and Roger Taylor (Ben Hardy), members of a struggling band called Smile. When the lead singer quits, Freddie seizes the opportunity and joins the group.
The Birth of Queen
Freddie, Brian, Roger, and bassist John Deacon (Joseph Mazzello) come together to form Queen, a band that mixes rock with theatrical flair. As they develop their signature sound, Freddie suggests bold, unconventional ideas, pushing the boundaries of what rock music can be. They record Bohemian Rhapsody, a six-minute-long opera-rock anthem that no one in the industry believes will succeed as a single. Despite skepticism, the song becomes a worldwide hit, and Queen is launched into superstardom.
Freddie’s Struggles with Fame and Identity
As Queen’s fame grows, so does Freddie’s inner turmoil. The movie explores Freddie’s struggles with his identity, particularly around his sexuality. He enters into a long-term relationship with Mary Austin (Lucy Boynton), but later comes to terms with being gay. His personal life becomes increasingly chaotic as he falls into the world of excess, which drives a wedge between him and the band.
The Breakup and Reconciliation
Tensions come to a head when Freddie signs a solo record deal, leading to a temporary breakup of Queen. Freddie’s descent into isolation and substance abuse worsens. Eventually, he realizes the error of his ways, reconciles with the band, and proposes a reunion performance at Live Aid, one of the biggest concerts in history.
The Iconic Live Aid Performance
The film culminates with Queen’s unforgettable performance at Live Aid in 1985, which is widely regarded as one of the greatest live performances in rock history. Queen’s setlist includes “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “Radio Ga Ga,” and “We Are the Champions.” Freddie, now aware of his AIDS diagnosis, performs with renewed passion and connection with his bandmates, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest rock performers of all time.
Movie Ending
The movie concludes with Queen’s triumphant Live Aid performance, leaving the audience on a high note. The credits provide some historical context about Freddie Mercury’s life after the events of the film. Freddie died of complications from AIDS in 1991, but his impact on music and pop culture remains timeless.
Post-Credits Scene?
Bohemian Rhapsody does not have a post-credits scene. The film ends with a powerful montage and text that honors Freddie Mercury’s legacy.
Type of Movie
This is a biographical musical drama that mixes emotional storytelling with electrifying concert sequences. It’s a celebration of Queen’s music and Freddie Mercury’s flamboyant and groundbreaking presence in the world of rock.
Cast
- Rami Malek as Freddie Mercury
- Gwilym Lee as Brian May
- Ben Hardy as Roger Taylor
- Joseph Mazzello as John Deacon
- Lucy Boynton as Mary Austin
- Aidan Gillen as John Reid (Queen’s manager)
- Allen Leech as Paul Prenter (Freddie’s personal manager)
- Mike Myers as Ray Foster (fictional EMI executive)
Film Music and Composer
The music for the film is, unsurprisingly, dominated by Queen’s iconic songs, remastered for the movie’s soundtrack. Original Queen recordings are used for most of the concert scenes, though Rami Malek’s voice is blended with original vocals in some parts. John Ottman served as the film’s composer for the score and also edited the film, expertly weaving Queen’s music into the narrative.
Filming Locations
- London, UK: Many of the film’s scenes, including recreations of Queen’s early performances and studio sessions, were filmed in London, capturing the essence of Queen’s rise in the British music scene.
- Bovingdon Airfield: The Live Aid concert was recreated here, with a near-perfect reconstruction of the original Wembley Stadium stage.
- Bray Studios: Located in Berkshire, this studio was used for indoor concert sequences and some intimate scenes between the band.
The importance of these locations lies in the film’s authenticity. London is Queen’s birthplace, and recreating Wembley for the Live Aid scene was crucial to capturing the grandeur of that legendary performance.
Awards and Nominations
- Academy Awards (Oscars):
- Best Actor (Won, Rami Malek)
- Best Sound Editing (Won)
- Best Sound Mixing (Won)
- Best Film Editing (Won)
- Best Picture (Nominated)
- Golden Globe Awards:
- Best Motion Picture – Drama (Won)
- Best Actor – Motion Picture Drama (Won, Rami Malek)
- BAFTA Awards:
- Best Actor (Won, Rami Malek)
- Best Sound (Won)
- Best Film (Nominated)
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Director Bryan Singer was fired during production due to erratic behavior and clashes with the cast. Dexter Fletcher stepped in to complete the film, though Singer retains the sole directorial credit.
- Rami Malek spent countless hours studying Freddie Mercury’s mannerisms and movements to authentically capture his stage presence.
- The prosthetic teeth Malek wore to replicate Freddie’s unique overbite initially made it difficult for him to speak and sing.
Inspirations and References
The movie is based on the true story of Freddie Mercury and Queen, though it takes some creative liberties. Freddie’s flamboyant personality and Queen’s revolutionary approach to music serve as the driving force behind the film’s narrative.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
While no alternate endings have been confirmed, some scenes were reportedly trimmed for pacing. For instance, additional scenes showing Freddie’s early life in Zanzibar and India were cut to keep the focus on the band’s rise and Freddie’s personal struggles.
Book Adaptations and Differences
There’s no specific book adaptation of the film, but the movie was influenced by various biographies of Freddie Mercury, including Somebody to Love and Mercury: An Intimate Biography of Freddie Mercury. The movie simplifies some aspects of Queen’s story for dramatic effect and compresses timelines, such as presenting Freddie’s AIDS diagnosis earlier than it actually happened.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- The first performance of “Bohemian Rhapsody” in the studio, showcasing the band’s experimental genius.
- Freddie coming out to Mary Austin, marking a poignant moment in the film about identity and love.
- The breathtaking recreation of Queen’s Live Aid performance, which closes the film on an emotional high.
Iconic Quotes
- Freddie Mercury: “I’m not going to be a star. I’m going to be a legend.”
- Mary Austin: “Freddie, you’re burning the candle at both ends.”
- Freddie Mercury: “I am exactly the person I was always meant to be.”
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- Mike Myers’ cameo as Ray Foster includes a line where he dismisses “Bohemian Rhapsody” by saying “No one will ever headbang to that song!” This is a cheeky reference to Wayne’s World, where Myers’ character famously headbangs to the song.
- A copy of David Bowie’s album “Hunky Dory” can be seen in the background of one scene, foreshadowing Queen’s future collaboration with Bowie on “Under Pressure.”
Trivia
- Rami Malek wore a pair of prosthetic teeth to resemble Freddie Mercury’s famous overbite. He eventually kept the teeth as a memento.
- The film originally planned to cover Freddie’s life more extensively, including his final years, but the focus shifted to end at Live Aid.
- Some of the vocals are a mix of Malek, original Queen recordings, and sound-alike singer Marc Martel.
Why Watch?
Bohemian Rhapsody is a must-watch for fans of Queen and those who enjoy biographical dramas about iconic figures. The film is a celebration of Freddie Mercury’s life, Queen’s groundbreaking music, and a testament to the power of perseverance and artistic freedom.
Director’s Other Movies
Bryan Singer (original director):
- X-Men (2000)
- The Usual Suspects (1995)
- Superman Returns (2006)
Dexter Fletcher (who completed the film):
- Rocketman (2019)
- Eddie the Eagle (2016)
Recommended Films for Fans
- Rocketman (2019) – A biopic about Elton John.
- The Dirt (2019) – The story of Mötley Crüe.
- Walk the Line (2005) – A biopic about Johnny Cash.
- Ray (2004) – The life of Ray Charles.
- A Star is Born (2018) – A fictional music drama with similar themes of fame and self-destruction.
