Criticism of Bohemian Rhapsody (2018) and Its Impact on Queen Fan Expectations

As a former Google SEO professional, I present this detailed analysis of Bohemian Rhapsody (2018), discussing its various shortcomings and how these issues affected the high expectations of Queen fans.

Overview and Initial Impressions

Having seen the movie Bohemian Rhapsody (2018) tonight, I felt a sense of disappointment for several reasons that deserve further elaboration.

Factual Inconsistencies and Chronological Blunders

One of the significant issues with the film is its unprecedented levels of chronological inconsistency. The movie depicts Queen playing at Rock in Rio in 1985 while Freddie Mercury is depicted as being in a serious relationship with Mary Austin. Additionally, Mercury had a much longer haircut, which was not typical of his appearance in 1985. Furthermore, the film shows Mercury smoking, an action that is not supported by historical evidence. Moreover, the movie includes numerous non-linear scenes that disrupt the narrative flow.

Depiction of Freddie Mercury

Perhaps the most controversial part of the film pertains to the portrayal of Freddie Mercury himself. The movie presents him as a tyrannical and disrespectful leader, a far cry from the actual person who was known for his dedication to his craft and humanity towards his bandmates. Mercury, as many Queen fans know, possessed a unique charm, and he was often seen as caring and loving rather than a promiscuous or drug-fueled individual.

Misuse of Timelines and Voice Attribution

The film also faces criticism for its use of timelines and voice actors. A significant aspect of the movie involves Marc Martel, a Mercury soundalike, and Rami Malek, the actor portraying Mercury. Fans of the band, such as myself, would be quick to pick up on the differences in Mercury’s voice, especially during scenes where he sings in multiple voices. This inconsistency often creates a jarring experience, detracting from the overall quality of the film.

Musicological Inaccuracies

Music theory also takes a hit in the movie, particularly in the soundtrack. An incident involving a recording session of "Bohemian Rhapsody" is depicted inaccurately. During the film, Freddie Mercury tells Roger Taylor to sing "Gallileo" at a higher pitch. However, an astute viewer would notice that the note Roger proceeded to sing was identical to those sung before it, contradicting the implication that he was singing higher.

Friendly Portrayal and Exaggerated Tensions

The film often presents a cold relationship between Freddie Mercury and Roger Taylor, when such a dynamic is far from the truth. Numerous YouTube videos and sources confirm that Mercury and Taylor had a close and loving friendship despite occasional arguments. The movie's choice to focus on their professional rivalry detracts from the actual bond between them.

Monotony and Boredom

Beyond the issues related to historical accuracy and the portrayal of the band members, the movie also suffers from a lack of creativity and humor. While there are some amusing moments, the overall narrative feels more like a well-produced biography than an entertaining drama. At times, the pacing is slow, leading the audience to check the time, particularly during the middle of the film.

Humorous Predictability

The film includes several self-aware lines that fail to resonate with the audience. Lines such as "no one will ever play Queen" and "Bohemian Rhapsody will never be played" are not only predictable but also fail to add any value to the storyline. These lines come across as predictable and cliché, further impacting the overall enjoyment of the film.

Summary and Final Thoughts

In conclusion, while Bohemian Rhapsody (2018) is not a terrible movie, it falls short of expectations set by Queen fans. The film's emphasis on factual accuracy and the authentic portrayal of the band members could have greatly enhanced its quality. There is no denying that Rami Malek's performance as Freddie Mercury deserves praise, as does the overall production of the film. Nevertheless, it could have been much better with more humor, improved timelines, and a more accurate portrayal of the band members. My rating for the film is 7/10.

For those seeking a basic understanding of Queen’s history, this film is a good starting point, but it may not satisfy the detailed historical accuracy that hardcore fans desire. I believe that with a few tweaks, the movie could have become a truly iconic piece of cinema celebrating one of the greatest rock bands of all time.