Before ‘Back to Black’: 3 music biopics that fell short… and 3 that didn’t

Controversy surrounding the Amy Winehouse biopic has people wondering: are there any music biopics that got it right?

“Back to Black” director Sam Taylor-Johnson recently defended the upcoming biopic after fans were angered at her choice to make it, and were further disappointed in lead actor Marisa Abela’s performance in early previews of the film.

The release of biopics is a buzz-generating phenomena, often prompting debates and dividing fan circles and critics alike. Here are three that faced immense backlash:

1) Bob Marley: One Love (2024)

Despite its success at the box office, possibly attributed to the lead actor Kingsley Ben-Adir's performance, the film received scathing reviews from critics. The Standard awarded it a mere two stars, criticising it for being riddled with "music movie clichés." Other reviewers labeled it as "particularly uninspired" and "patchy."

2) Bohemian Rhapsody (2018)

As another major commercial success earning 744 million dollars at the worldwide box office, this Oscar-nominated film also fell miserably short – according to critics.

Many reviews claimed the film’s success piggy-backed off its lead actor’s performance, with IndieWire calling it “royally embarrassing” and The Spectator describing it as a “succession of pre-digested cliches.” Fans and critics were also gravely disappointed in the film’s sanitised portrayal of the singer’s love life.

3) Nina (2016)

Crafting a biopic about a deceased singer without their consent is one thing, but going against the wishes of their entire family takes it to another level entirely. This 2016 biopic on Nina Simone garnered significant criticism for its casting of Zoe Saldana as the lead – a lighter skinned woman who had to heap on blackface makeup to look like Nina.

While Saldana faced intense scrutiny for agreeing to play Simone, her daughter, Lisa Simone Kelly, defended the actor, instead attributing the criticism to the writers.

Despite the wide range of widely hated biopics, here are some that were generally well-loved.

1) Walk the Line (2005)

The narrative of Johnny Cash follows a more conventional biopic route: a tumultuous childhood under the shadow of an angry father, and a meteoric rise to musical stardom marred by substance abuse and turbulent romantic entanglements. However, Joaquin Phoenix adeptly channels Cash's deep, resonant voice and intense demeanor, while Reese Witherspoon's spirited portrayal of June Carter—later June Carter Cash—earned her an Oscar. Walk the Line is known to be one of the finest musical biopics to date.

2) Control (2007)

Photographer Anton Corbijn captures the brief yet intense life of Joy Division singer Ian Curtis, portrayed by Sam Riley. Curtis, married at 19 and a father, wrestles with depression and epilepsy while torn between his sweetheart and a journalist. Riley's portrayal of Curtis's transfixing, manic performing style leaves a lasting impression, as do the poignant music scenes.

3) I’m Not There (2007)

Critics have applauded director Todd Haynes’ ability to encapsulate the multifaceted life of Bob Dylan in a single film. This biopic features a diverse cast including Cate Blanchett, Richard Gere, Heath Ledger, and Christian Bale, each portraying different aspects of Dylan's complex persona. According to Rolling Stone, "I'm Not There" captures how “Dylan remade the world while constantly reinventing himself over the years.”