Released 22 years apart, the films Bohemian Rhapsody and That Thing You Do!, both about the rise and demise of a band (which may mean the death of a charismatic frontman), are similarly entertaining and inspiring.
Bohemian Rhapsody, with Rami Malek superbly portraying the flamboyant Freddie Mercury, traces the birth and breakout of real-life stadium act Queen with Freddie (born Farrokh Bulsara) on board singing, writing songs including “Love Of My Life” (which he dedicates to soulmate Mary Austin played by the pretty Lucy Boynton) and the rock opera title track hated for its length and lyrics by an executive played by Mike Myers. It’s primarily his story, from being a baggage handler to a ‘hysterical queen’ in a band of misfits and then a legend.
Critics pointed out historical inaccuracies. But with the movie grossing, as of this writing, nearly $300 million against a $55 million budget, truth screamed “Ay-Oh” for people went in to celebrate the band’s music and place in history, period.
Director Bryan Singer chooses to be artsy when he had Freddie inform the band of his ailment during rehearsal for Live Aid or meet Mary on the same night he auditions for pre-Queen group Smile.
None of such details should really matter when emotions engulf you hearing Freddie play the eventual famed piano riff to “Bohemian Rhapsody” in his peculiar playing. Or when he gestures before exiting from what is now counted as the greatest live gig.
After watching the film and you’re aching to trace back the band’s heralded catalogue or do something experimentally defying conventions, then the movie has succeeded in its chosen style of presenting a biopic.
The 1996 Tom Hanks-directed-and-starred film had likewise triumphed on inspiring rock wannabes and amusing spectators eyeing for cute success stories. I was in my late teens when I saw that thing on the big screen and it made me really want to pursue a life being in a combo. For the record, call it pastime or sidegig, I have been in a band playing bass and writing songs ever since.
The movie tells the tale of a fictionalized quartet called The Wonders (with various references to the early success of The Beatles). They’re an overnight sensation that implodes because of character flaws. It stars Tom Everett Scott as the smart, cool drummer Guy Patterson and Johnathon Schaech as “the one with all the attitude” lead vocalist Jimmy Mattingly. Hanks is Mr. White, obviously a wink to how Beatles manager Brian Epstein appeared in public.
Both the Academy and Golden Globe deservingly gave the movie a nomination nod for Best Original Song. It’s as if someone unearthed a lost ‘60s recording gem and released it in the ‘90s.
That Thing You Do! celebrates the beauty of 15-minute fame in as much as the world embraced the charm of irreplaceable “Queen Freddie” performing live for a mere decade and a half. Some good things never last and that is, in a way, cinematic.
