Back to Black: A Misguided Biopic
Sam Taylor-Johnson’s Amy Winehouse biopic, Back to Black, is a poor, poor piece of filmmaking that left me gasping in horror. The film’s attempt to tell the story of the tragic London singer’s life is marred by its abstract and impressionistic approach, which fails to establish how Winehouse became famous in the first place.
The legendary singer-songwriter
The film’s portrayal of Winehouse’s rise to fame is lacking, with no clear explanation of how she went from being a relatively unknown artist to a global superstar. The film jumps abruptly from her early days to her struggles with addiction, without providing any context or insight into her creative process.
Marisa Abela’s portrayal of Amy Winehouse
Marisa Abela’s performance as Winehouse is passable, but it lacks the depth and nuance required to bring the singer’s story to life. The film’s focus on her personal struggles, rather than her music, is also misguided, and the inclusion of songs like “Rehab” and “You Know I’m No Good” feels like an afterthought.
Jack O’Connell’s portrayal of Blake Fielder-Civil
The film’s portrayal of Blake Fielder-Civil, Winehouse’s husband, is also problematic, with Jack O’Connell’s performance coming across as overly sanitized. The film’s depiction of their relationship is similarly lacking, with no clear explanation of how they met or how their relationship evolved.
The tumultuous relationship between Amy Winehouse and Blake Fielder-Civil
Overall, Back to Black is a disappointing and misguided biopic that fails to do justice to Amy Winehouse’s legacy. With its poor storytelling, lackluster performances, and misguided focus, it’s a film that’s best avoided.
“I mean, I can do you a perfectly passable Walking After Midnight, but that doesn’t mean you’re going to buy me as Patsy Cline.”
Read more: Amy Winehouse was a glorious original – stop selling her legacy
