176 reviews
I was disappointed
Amy Winehouse had a tumultuous life, full of success and drama, but this film does no make justice to her legacy.
The story is narrated on a chaotic way, like if parts of the movie was left on the cutting room. One minute she was living with her mum in a flat and the next she was living in a house in Camden with a flatmate that disappeared inexplicably.
One minute she was a young 18 year old and the next she was a successful singer that quit her label. Is like her career and achievements were not interested for the screenplay, if you didn't know Winehouse story and this is the first time you see it, you would think that the girl was just a bit stupid. The only interesting thing that happened to her was Blake, and for those that followed her career we know that Blake was not good for her, and she had more interesting things in her life than being obsessed with that man.
She sang with Tony Bennet! And was like the peak of her career! No mention of that; she lived in the Caribbean trying to get better, and also no mention of it.
Is sad that Hollywood just simplifies someone's life for a movie and then that's it... very very sad to see what her legacy has been turned to.
The story is narrated on a chaotic way, like if parts of the movie was left on the cutting room. One minute she was living with her mum in a flat and the next she was living in a house in Camden with a flatmate that disappeared inexplicably.
One minute she was a young 18 year old and the next she was a successful singer that quit her label. Is like her career and achievements were not interested for the screenplay, if you didn't know Winehouse story and this is the first time you see it, you would think that the girl was just a bit stupid. The only interesting thing that happened to her was Blake, and for those that followed her career we know that Blake was not good for her, and she had more interesting things in her life than being obsessed with that man.
She sang with Tony Bennet! And was like the peak of her career! No mention of that; she lived in the Caribbean trying to get better, and also no mention of it.
Is sad that Hollywood just simplifies someone's life for a movie and then that's it... very very sad to see what her legacy has been turned to.
- marcovinicio-74921
- Apr 13, 2024
- Permalink
Amy feels real, but her life does not
Why? Watch Asif Kapadia's Amy.
- peter-horrey
- Apr 14, 2024
- Permalink
Good if a rather cowerdly film
Amy Whinehouse was a rather personal celebrity for me since my teen years. I was never much of music fan, or celebrity follower but as everyone there were a couple famous people who had a huge impact on me. I cried when I heard about her death as if she was someone I was close to. Her You know I am no Good to this day makes my blood crawl. I was at her concert in Serbia (I am from Bulgaria so we often went there for such events). It was one of the worst experiences in my life. The crowd was angry and booing at her as if they were robbed or sth, as if some right of theirs have been taken. I don't know when the public decided that singers, actors, athletes owe them sth. I was also angry but at the organizers. I could never forgive them for letting her on stage when she should have been receiving help, I could never forgive them for abusing a human being in such way. I had nightmares for weeks of the image of her in this utterly destructed and vulnerable state. When I read the news about her death I even felt the irrational guilt that I was at fault for her tragedy, I and other fans who were only taking from her.
And I think this is the hugest flaw os the movie, it pulls the break on really going into the depth of a human tragedy. It fails to show why this young woman became so important and loved by so many who listened to her music, what made her stand out.
Instead it shifts focus from music to personal, back and forth, sometimes making the narrative a bit disjointed. Her music was really something. For years she would have just the same repertoire and still it felt more than enough. There was never the need for her to release album after album to stay relevant or influencial in the music industry. Still if the movie used a bit less of the music parts, and developed the others better, the movie would have had a better storytelling.
The actress is doing a great job portraying the rawness and authencity of Whinehouse even if her looks are more polished, her acting isn't. If she had a more developed screenplay it would have been a performance of the ranks of many memorable biopics.
Overall it is a good but maybe forgettable film about someone who in the eyes of many is forever unforgettable.
And I think this is the hugest flaw os the movie, it pulls the break on really going into the depth of a human tragedy. It fails to show why this young woman became so important and loved by so many who listened to her music, what made her stand out.
Instead it shifts focus from music to personal, back and forth, sometimes making the narrative a bit disjointed. Her music was really something. For years she would have just the same repertoire and still it felt more than enough. There was never the need for her to release album after album to stay relevant or influencial in the music industry. Still if the movie used a bit less of the music parts, and developed the others better, the movie would have had a better storytelling.
The actress is doing a great job portraying the rawness and authencity of Whinehouse even if her looks are more polished, her acting isn't. If she had a more developed screenplay it would have been a performance of the ranks of many memorable biopics.
Overall it is a good but maybe forgettable film about someone who in the eyes of many is forever unforgettable.
Echoes of a Soul
"Back to Black" delivers a heartfelt tribute to Amy Winehouse, brilliantly capturing the essence of an icon whose talent and personal struggles left an indelible mark on the music world. This film doesn't merely navigate through the vibrant life Amy led amidst Camden's gritty charm; it delves deep, portraying not just her artistic brilliance but also her profound vulnerabilities. It masterfully showcases the overwhelming pressures of fame and scrutinizes the relentless nature of the celebrity machine, presenting a narrative that's as compelling as it is heart-wrenching. This isn't just a recount of a music legend's life; it's an invitation to see beyond the performer to the person, offering a richly nuanced appreciation of her life, her sharp wit, and her brutal honesty.
Marisa Abela's portrayal of Amy is captivating, embodying the singer's raw and fragile essence in a performance that's incredibly authentic. She brings to life Amy's desperate longing for love and acceptance, along with her profound sense of loneliness, making her portrayal deeply resonate. Abela's Amy is not just a public figure but a person seeking connection in a world that often feels cold and unforgiving. While the film does dwell on the more tragic aspects of Amy's story, including her struggles with a toxic relationship, it's this exploration of her search for love and the stark loneliness she faced that adds a profound layer of depth to the narrative. The movie, despite its flaws and sometimes narrow focus, manages to strike a chord, particularly for those moved by Amy's music or touched by her life story. "Back to Black" might not capture every nuance of Amy's life with perfect clarity, but it's a deeply moving portrayal that echoes the bittersweet reality of her extraordinary yet tragically short journey.
Marisa Abela's portrayal of Amy is captivating, embodying the singer's raw and fragile essence in a performance that's incredibly authentic. She brings to life Amy's desperate longing for love and acceptance, along with her profound sense of loneliness, making her portrayal deeply resonate. Abela's Amy is not just a public figure but a person seeking connection in a world that often feels cold and unforgiving. While the film does dwell on the more tragic aspects of Amy's story, including her struggles with a toxic relationship, it's this exploration of her search for love and the stark loneliness she faced that adds a profound layer of depth to the narrative. The movie, despite its flaws and sometimes narrow focus, manages to strike a chord, particularly for those moved by Amy's music or touched by her life story. "Back to Black" might not capture every nuance of Amy's life with perfect clarity, but it's a deeply moving portrayal that echoes the bittersweet reality of her extraordinary yet tragically short journey.
Uneven but interesting
Amy Winehouse's life was inherently dramatic. This film by Sam Taylor-Johnson starts, however, rather quietly in her teenage years. So there's no insight into her earlier childhood (she apparently had a flair for maths), the development of her musical gifts or how she started recording and got gigs at the Dublin Castle pub, Camden Town, and Ronnie Scott's in Soho. Some background information on the screen might have been helpful.
Though the film centres on songs on the eponymous "Back to Black" album, I found their lyrics muffled on the sound track and very hard to follow, except on "Rehab" and "Valerie". There's no insight, either, into the background of the latter, which was a cover version; as a result its lyrics, unusually, don't reflect Amy's personal experience.
The portrayal of her husband Blake Fielder-Civil (Jack O'Connell) seems controversial; some critics have found it too sympathetic. The Winehouse family blamed him for introducing her to heroin and she said that their marriage was based on doing drugs. The film, however, suggests that she was more dangerous for him.
Positively, Marisa Abela is spectacular as Amy; she makes her seem real and does full justice to a number of her songs. The film quite subtly shows us Amy's Jewish family and close relationship with both her father, Mitch (Eddie Marsan), and especially her grandmother, Cynthia (Lesley Manville). It makes clear her sophisticated musical tastes, too. She had a strong need to live her songs. In one brief scene she looks and sounds touchingly kind and natural, not a "celebrity".
Appropriately, "arty" effects are avoided. There's just one very striking visual touch, I think: a face half-reflected in a mirror. Scenes shot after dark might recall film noir, though I was a bit disappointed by the limited outside scenes in Camden Town. It would have been interesting to follow Amy's moves in different parts of the district.
We see her, more than once, being chased through the streets. Perhaps these scenes unavoidably recall another woman with a tempestuous life who died very sadly early.
I think this film is uneven but never less than interesting.
Though the film centres on songs on the eponymous "Back to Black" album, I found their lyrics muffled on the sound track and very hard to follow, except on "Rehab" and "Valerie". There's no insight, either, into the background of the latter, which was a cover version; as a result its lyrics, unusually, don't reflect Amy's personal experience.
The portrayal of her husband Blake Fielder-Civil (Jack O'Connell) seems controversial; some critics have found it too sympathetic. The Winehouse family blamed him for introducing her to heroin and she said that their marriage was based on doing drugs. The film, however, suggests that she was more dangerous for him.
Positively, Marisa Abela is spectacular as Amy; she makes her seem real and does full justice to a number of her songs. The film quite subtly shows us Amy's Jewish family and close relationship with both her father, Mitch (Eddie Marsan), and especially her grandmother, Cynthia (Lesley Manville). It makes clear her sophisticated musical tastes, too. She had a strong need to live her songs. In one brief scene she looks and sounds touchingly kind and natural, not a "celebrity".
Appropriately, "arty" effects are avoided. There's just one very striking visual touch, I think: a face half-reflected in a mirror. Scenes shot after dark might recall film noir, though I was a bit disappointed by the limited outside scenes in Camden Town. It would have been interesting to follow Amy's moves in different parts of the district.
We see her, more than once, being chased through the streets. Perhaps these scenes unavoidably recall another woman with a tempestuous life who died very sadly early.
I think this film is uneven but never less than interesting.
- epaulguest
- May 6, 2024
- Permalink
Back to Black
Truth, if it were needed, that Lesley Manville can turn her hand to anything, but otherwise this is a rather unremarkable biopic of a woman whose character, I must confess, I didn't actually like very much. She is the nan of Amy (Marisa Abela) and the two have a special bond. Amy lives with her mum who is divorced from her dad Mitch (Eddie Marsan). He fancies himself as a bit of a crooner and she is steeped in jazz, determined to write her own songs and make a success of herself - on her own terms. Enter Nick (Sam Buchanan) who works for music mogul Simon Fuller and she is, after an initial bit of hostility, signed up and on her way. The remainder of the chronology is all pretty straightforward as Sam Taylor-Johnson decides to focus on an entirely speculative look at how her personal life developed. Amy's increasingly strained relationship with her friends and her father, her grandmother's terminal illness and her "toxic co-dependent" relationship with the charismatic Blake (Jack O'Connell). There's no doubting that many of her songs are great - even if the role of Mark Ronson in any of that is largely ignored, and hats off to Abela for putting her own slant on them. She does her own singing and though she does rather over-egg it, she does imbue a sense of the sheer force of personality this woman had. O'Connell, too, does well enough - especially with his Shangri-La dance in the pub when they meet, but somehow the whole narrative is just too bitty and episodic. The presentation of her character is way too shallow and frankly she is portrayed as a bit of an obnoxious brat. Her increasing exposure to the hounding paparazzi is well illustrated and that growing sense of exasperation obvious, but again we jump around too much as we seem to be rushing to a conclusion we know all about. At two hours it is too long in many ways and too short in others. The dialogue offers us little insight into just who she was and by the end, I felt sad for her but can't say I really cared about any of them. The aggression of the photographers seems to receive a disproportionate share of the blame for her predicament whilst rather discounting her own series of bad choices fuelled by her own immaturity and by the public's obsessions with watching what it builds up come crashing down. They couldn't sell their photos if we didn't want to buy them. A memorable musical legacy left behind by one who, along with so many other ground-breaking but flawed musical geniuses, might just have been better left for our ears.
- CinemaSerf
- Apr 10, 2024
- Permalink
Poor storytelling
- el_amanecer
- Apr 17, 2024
- Permalink
First Rate Biopic
I went into this movie not expecting much, thanks to the reviews, but figured I'd like to see a recreation of London in the 2000s.
Forget the reviews from the newspapers and meida. The movie is first rate, and the central performance, by Marisa Abela, will surely get an Oscar nomination. She is sensational.
The filmography is good, and the script pretty good, focusing on Amy Winehouse's addiction and toxic dependency on Blake Fielder-Civil, while not leaving out the arc of her career; you get to hear all the hits from her.
The supporting cast is excellent, too, with nary a performance that misses a step.
I do wish, though, that the director had edited it to be a bit tighter-it spends a lot of time on her romance with Black- and used the extra time to depict her awakening as a songwriter. Marisa Abela would have done that part justice, too.
Go see it. This is definitely one to be watched in a theater, not at home.
Forget the reviews from the newspapers and meida. The movie is first rate, and the central performance, by Marisa Abela, will surely get an Oscar nomination. She is sensational.
The filmography is good, and the script pretty good, focusing on Amy Winehouse's addiction and toxic dependency on Blake Fielder-Civil, while not leaving out the arc of her career; you get to hear all the hits from her.
The supporting cast is excellent, too, with nary a performance that misses a step.
I do wish, though, that the director had edited it to be a bit tighter-it spends a lot of time on her romance with Black- and used the extra time to depict her awakening as a songwriter. Marisa Abela would have done that part justice, too.
Go see it. This is definitely one to be watched in a theater, not at home.
A good watch
The film captures the self destructive and addictive demons that surrounded Amy Winehouse and I think doesn't truly depict the character portrayal of her husband and father as they are shown as better characters than they were.
Strong performances but I thought disappointing ending .
The singing of Marisa Abela is excellent and acting all around very strong . Just not enough depth and oomph in the overall result.
The addictive 'love' story if that's what it was is captured well and illustrates that period in London quite well for anyone who is a younger viewer.
I'm always amazed that showing drug use and alcohol addiction with the strong language is still rated at 15 but maybe I'm just getting old.
Make your own mind up Slight mistake in the film when she leaves prison and an electric LEVC TXE taxi is in the shot which wasn't actually made at that point.
Strong performances but I thought disappointing ending .
The singing of Marisa Abela is excellent and acting all around very strong . Just not enough depth and oomph in the overall result.
The addictive 'love' story if that's what it was is captured well and illustrates that period in London quite well for anyone who is a younger viewer.
I'm always amazed that showing drug use and alcohol addiction with the strong language is still rated at 15 but maybe I'm just getting old.
Make your own mind up Slight mistake in the film when she leaves prison and an electric LEVC TXE taxi is in the shot which wasn't actually made at that point.
You Know I'm No Good
Intriguingly "Back to Black" seems to be a film that is finding little consensus amongst the professional reviewers. I found the central performance excellent, but wonder if it's decision to, perhaps realistically, not portray anyone as the villain of the story, hurts its entertainment value.
A prodigiously talented singer/songwriter Amy Winehouse (Marisa Abela) has a growing reputation and a hit album. Before starting work on the next album, she meets Blake Fielder-Civil (Jack O'Connell) in a Camden bar and the pair begin a relationship. Already struggling with Bulimia and alcoholism, Blake's own hedonistic lifestyle sends the pair into a spiral of violence and addiction. When they break up, Amy's pain forms the basis for the songs on "Back to Black" her second album, which has worldwide success.
I think Marisa Abela is great as Amy. I know her from the BBC series "Industry" and her performance here, which includes her singing impression is maybe reason enough to see the film. In fact, it might be the only reason to see the film. Maybe that's a touch unfair, the performances from O'Connell, Eddie Marsan as her father Mitch and Lesley Manville as her grandmother Cynthia are all decent, even if none of them stretch much beyond what we've seen them do before. (In fact, I'd really like to see O'Connell play something other than a swaggering, self-destructive character).
The consensus narrative that has been told about Winehouse is that Fielder-Civil was the junkie that dragged poor Amy down and that Mitch sacrificed his daughter's health in order to not risk her success. Both ideas are present in the film, though it paints neither as the villain. Perhaps that's realistic, certainly it doesn't rob Amy of agency in her own story, but I did, at times, feel a little bored by what the film chose to present. It's quite long, at two hours, and whilst her talent was prodigious, maybe her life story wasn't full of as many different types of experiences as would justify this films existence.
I don't think the film adds up to enough for me to recommend it, which is a shame for Abela, who is really giving her all.
A prodigiously talented singer/songwriter Amy Winehouse (Marisa Abela) has a growing reputation and a hit album. Before starting work on the next album, she meets Blake Fielder-Civil (Jack O'Connell) in a Camden bar and the pair begin a relationship. Already struggling with Bulimia and alcoholism, Blake's own hedonistic lifestyle sends the pair into a spiral of violence and addiction. When they break up, Amy's pain forms the basis for the songs on "Back to Black" her second album, which has worldwide success.
I think Marisa Abela is great as Amy. I know her from the BBC series "Industry" and her performance here, which includes her singing impression is maybe reason enough to see the film. In fact, it might be the only reason to see the film. Maybe that's a touch unfair, the performances from O'Connell, Eddie Marsan as her father Mitch and Lesley Manville as her grandmother Cynthia are all decent, even if none of them stretch much beyond what we've seen them do before. (In fact, I'd really like to see O'Connell play something other than a swaggering, self-destructive character).
The consensus narrative that has been told about Winehouse is that Fielder-Civil was the junkie that dragged poor Amy down and that Mitch sacrificed his daughter's health in order to not risk her success. Both ideas are present in the film, though it paints neither as the villain. Perhaps that's realistic, certainly it doesn't rob Amy of agency in her own story, but I did, at times, feel a little bored by what the film chose to present. It's quite long, at two hours, and whilst her talent was prodigious, maybe her life story wasn't full of as many different types of experiences as would justify this films existence.
I don't think the film adds up to enough for me to recommend it, which is a shame for Abela, who is really giving her all.
- southdavid
- Apr 14, 2024
- Permalink
A symphony of talent and turmoil
Back to Black isn't just a biopic; it's a raw exploration of a singular talent battling inner demons. The film chronicles Amy Winehouse's (Marisa Abela) passionate but volatile relationship with Blake Fielder-Civil (Jack O'Connell), a whirlwind romance that fueled her Grammy-winning album of the same name.
Director Sam Taylor-Johnson doesn't shy away from the darkness. We see Amy's struggles with addiction laid bare, the paparazzi feeding off her descent. There's a harrowing scene in a bathroom, the fluorescent lights casting a cold, clinical glow on a moment of despair. It's a tough watch, but it underscores the human cost of fame.
Abela (who actually did all the singing-no miming) delivers a phenomenal performance. She captures not just Amy's swagger and signature beehive hair, but also her vulnerability. There's a heartbreaking sequence where Amy pours her soul into a recording booth, her voice cracking with raw emotion. You believe she's channelling her pain into music, and Abela deserves a standing ovation for that.
The film falters slightly in its focus. While the love story is central, it occasionally overshadows Amy's musical brilliance. We see glimpses of her creative process, her smoky jazz influences, but it would've been great to delve deeper. This isn't a criticism of the film's length but rather a testament to Amy's multifaceted life.
Then there's the soundtrack. Oh, the soundtrack! It's a masterstroke. Hearing Amy's iconic songs, from the sassy Rehab to the torchy ballad Love Is a Losing Game, in full cinematic glory is a gift. The score by Nick Cave and Warren Ellis complements the music perfectly, adding a melancholic edge.
Back to Black isn't a sugar-coated biopic. It's a cautionary tale, a love letter to a lost talent, and a testament to the enduring power of music. It left me wanting more Amy, more music, but also with a profound respect for her artistry. If you're a fan or simply appreciate raw talent battling for expression, this film deserves a spot on your watchlist. Just be prepared for an emotional rollercoaster; it's a wild ride, but undeniably powerful.
Director Sam Taylor-Johnson doesn't shy away from the darkness. We see Amy's struggles with addiction laid bare, the paparazzi feeding off her descent. There's a harrowing scene in a bathroom, the fluorescent lights casting a cold, clinical glow on a moment of despair. It's a tough watch, but it underscores the human cost of fame.
Abela (who actually did all the singing-no miming) delivers a phenomenal performance. She captures not just Amy's swagger and signature beehive hair, but also her vulnerability. There's a heartbreaking sequence where Amy pours her soul into a recording booth, her voice cracking with raw emotion. You believe she's channelling her pain into music, and Abela deserves a standing ovation for that.
The film falters slightly in its focus. While the love story is central, it occasionally overshadows Amy's musical brilliance. We see glimpses of her creative process, her smoky jazz influences, but it would've been great to delve deeper. This isn't a criticism of the film's length but rather a testament to Amy's multifaceted life.
Then there's the soundtrack. Oh, the soundtrack! It's a masterstroke. Hearing Amy's iconic songs, from the sassy Rehab to the torchy ballad Love Is a Losing Game, in full cinematic glory is a gift. The score by Nick Cave and Warren Ellis complements the music perfectly, adding a melancholic edge.
Back to Black isn't a sugar-coated biopic. It's a cautionary tale, a love letter to a lost talent, and a testament to the enduring power of music. It left me wanting more Amy, more music, but also with a profound respect for her artistry. If you're a fan or simply appreciate raw talent battling for expression, this film deserves a spot on your watchlist. Just be prepared for an emotional rollercoaster; it's a wild ride, but undeniably powerful.
- steveinadelaide
- Apr 12, 2024
- Permalink
Disappointed
The performance by Marisa Abela is brilliant, she is Amy Winehouse. However, if you know anything about Amy Winehouse you know that she had an incredibly unique voice, suffered with addictions & was hounded by the press. None of this is shown to its true potential in the film, which to be honest is disappointing. I expected to hear more of her singing and performing. The picture paints her Dad Mitch & husband as 'not bad blokes'. Neither of them were good blokes. Her Dad, should have & could have been far more supportive & intervened at her most desperate. Blake was an out & out addict, the film does not portray the impact that either of them had on Amy. Rocket Man, Bohemian Rhapsody & Elvis nailed their stories, sadly Back to Black doesn't.
- glyn-87218
- Apr 13, 2024
- Permalink
Bad, shallow and misleading movie about Amy Winehouse
- sarajantas
- Apr 23, 2024
- Permalink
Camden's Queen
Marisa Abele saves this film, her performance was excellent. She was able to show the fragility of Amy Whinehouse but also her bolshie attitude to those around her.
Her relationships with men were flippant until she met and fell for Blake Fielder-Civil. Some would say he being her downfall.
The biggest influence in her life was her grandmother, a Jazz lover and stylish lady. Her death was a tragedy which I don't think she fully recovered from.
I left the film wondering why she was so self destructive, and wished somebody had intervened to help before it was too late.
At least her music lives on.
Her relationships with men were flippant until she met and fell for Blake Fielder-Civil. Some would say he being her downfall.
The biggest influence in her life was her grandmother, a Jazz lover and stylish lady. Her death was a tragedy which I don't think she fully recovered from.
I left the film wondering why she was so self destructive, and wished somebody had intervened to help before it was too late.
At least her music lives on.
- mezzaitaliana-89131
- Apr 25, 2024
- Permalink
A perfectly decent biopic with a great lead performance
Like a lot of recent biopics Back to Black does a perfectly fine job but fails to really provide great depth or insight into its subject.
Considering her short career and life, this biopic took the not unreasonable approach of trying to cover all of Amy's career, but I think is where is perhaps becomes a bit unstuck. It covers all of these events well but at times it is simply replaying the events rather than exploring the people behind them.
That is where this film failed to really capture me. I felt like it explored Amy's career and her impact on the music scene on a bit of a surface level. It explored her relationship with Blake on too much of a surface level. Likewise some of her family relationships and addiction issues were a bit too surface level. I think this film needed to really find a focus and provide more of an insight into Amy. I left the film not really knowing more or understanding Amy on a deeper level than I already did.
That being said, there is still plenty to enjoy about this film. The performances are all really good, particularly Marisa Abela as Amy. Her singing is also incredible. It isn't of course as good as Amy's but is never a distraction. Then there is Jack O'Connell as Blake who again is really strong. The chemistry between them is spot on.
So overall it is a pretty strong biopic, but it perhaps keeps a little too much distance from Amy without diving in as deep as it could have done. The strong performance from Abela, the great music, and the decent command of the events of Amy's life make it a well worth watch though.
Considering her short career and life, this biopic took the not unreasonable approach of trying to cover all of Amy's career, but I think is where is perhaps becomes a bit unstuck. It covers all of these events well but at times it is simply replaying the events rather than exploring the people behind them.
That is where this film failed to really capture me. I felt like it explored Amy's career and her impact on the music scene on a bit of a surface level. It explored her relationship with Blake on too much of a surface level. Likewise some of her family relationships and addiction issues were a bit too surface level. I think this film needed to really find a focus and provide more of an insight into Amy. I left the film not really knowing more or understanding Amy on a deeper level than I already did.
That being said, there is still plenty to enjoy about this film. The performances are all really good, particularly Marisa Abela as Amy. Her singing is also incredible. It isn't of course as good as Amy's but is never a distraction. Then there is Jack O'Connell as Blake who again is really strong. The chemistry between them is spot on.
So overall it is a pretty strong biopic, but it perhaps keeps a little too much distance from Amy without diving in as deep as it could have done. The strong performance from Abela, the great music, and the decent command of the events of Amy's life make it a well worth watch though.
- ethanbresnett
- Apr 30, 2024
- Permalink
Chanel N°Pub
Director Sam Taylor-Johnson finds herself going from Grey to Black for this Amy Winehouse Biopic.
Another month and we have another newly released biopic this time centering around the life and career of soul singer Amy Winehouse. Firstly I should say that I generally like biopics particularly ones about musicians as after all who doesn't enjoy music?
I have to say though this is one musician whose career I wouldn't want to be trying to adapt into a big screen story.
Why? I hear you ask.
Two reasons.
One: Because of just how hounded Amy was by the press which resulted in a large number of overly exaggerated if not outright false stories being written about her. I wouldn't want to be the one to have to say this is what I think really happened as everyone seems to have their own opinion on her life.
Two: She's not around to defend herself. Whilst ordinarily I wouldn't say a biopic shouldn't be made about an artist who has passed away, with the amount of lies that were spread about Amy and her life who knows if what you are putting on screen actually happened or not.
I would imagine largely as a result of the points I made in the previous paragraph Taylor-Johnson plays this biopic incredibly safe. All the information the audience is given throughout the film is largely surface level and the film fails to take any sort of deep dive into what really lead Amy to an early death at the age of just 27.
It's definitely not all a lost though, the acting for one I felt was particularly strong. Anyone who's been reading my reviews for a little while knows about my love for the actors from the tv show skins. Jack O'Connell who played cook in skins stars as Amy's boyfriend, husband and eventually Ex-Husband Blake and he absolutely stole the show for me. I have been longing to see him play a cheeky bad boy again as he's so good at it and yet again he shines here. Amy Winehouse herself is played by Marisa Abela, I think the thing to look for in a musical biopic is whether the actor still feels like the real person when they're not on stage. Does Marisa still feel like Amy when she's just having a chat with her Nan for instance?
I'm happy to say I felt she definitely did. I particularly felt she got the accent and the speaking voice spot on. As for Amy's singing voice it's such a unique sound to try to replicate but after doing some research it seems Marisa did all her own singing in the film and if that's true then wow.
If you're looking for a deep dive into the life of Amy Winehouse then I recommend the 2015 documentary.
What we are given in Back to Black is a well shot and well acted biopic but one that is far from the likes of Rocketman and one that I'm likely to forget about completely after just a couple of weeks.
Another month and we have another newly released biopic this time centering around the life and career of soul singer Amy Winehouse. Firstly I should say that I generally like biopics particularly ones about musicians as after all who doesn't enjoy music?
I have to say though this is one musician whose career I wouldn't want to be trying to adapt into a big screen story.
Why? I hear you ask.
Two reasons.
One: Because of just how hounded Amy was by the press which resulted in a large number of overly exaggerated if not outright false stories being written about her. I wouldn't want to be the one to have to say this is what I think really happened as everyone seems to have their own opinion on her life.
Two: She's not around to defend herself. Whilst ordinarily I wouldn't say a biopic shouldn't be made about an artist who has passed away, with the amount of lies that were spread about Amy and her life who knows if what you are putting on screen actually happened or not.
I would imagine largely as a result of the points I made in the previous paragraph Taylor-Johnson plays this biopic incredibly safe. All the information the audience is given throughout the film is largely surface level and the film fails to take any sort of deep dive into what really lead Amy to an early death at the age of just 27.
It's definitely not all a lost though, the acting for one I felt was particularly strong. Anyone who's been reading my reviews for a little while knows about my love for the actors from the tv show skins. Jack O'Connell who played cook in skins stars as Amy's boyfriend, husband and eventually Ex-Husband Blake and he absolutely stole the show for me. I have been longing to see him play a cheeky bad boy again as he's so good at it and yet again he shines here. Amy Winehouse herself is played by Marisa Abela, I think the thing to look for in a musical biopic is whether the actor still feels like the real person when they're not on stage. Does Marisa still feel like Amy when she's just having a chat with her Nan for instance?
I'm happy to say I felt she definitely did. I particularly felt she got the accent and the speaking voice spot on. As for Amy's singing voice it's such a unique sound to try to replicate but after doing some research it seems Marisa did all her own singing in the film and if that's true then wow.
If you're looking for a deep dive into the life of Amy Winehouse then I recommend the 2015 documentary.
What we are given in Back to Black is a well shot and well acted biopic but one that is far from the likes of Rocketman and one that I'm likely to forget about completely after just a couple of weeks.
- TomTalksFilms
- Apr 17, 2024
- Permalink
Whats wrong with people?
Classic IMDB- Audience.. you see someone you like, you rate it high regardless of the quality.
Amys live offers so much story to talk about but instead, they chose a very shallow direction and of course, focusing on the looks instead of actual biography. Hollywood is somehow allergic to honesty. So many moments of Amys life that were monumental just got left out. Not even mentioned.
The actors are okay but you can only be as good as the script is...looking similar alone wont do the job. Music is obviously great but other than that, just watch literally any documentation on her life on YouTube and you're more informed about Amy than from watching this pseudo sentimental interpretation of young artist.
If you're really a Fan of Amy, you can't like this movie.
Amys live offers so much story to talk about but instead, they chose a very shallow direction and of course, focusing on the looks instead of actual biography. Hollywood is somehow allergic to honesty. So many moments of Amys life that were monumental just got left out. Not even mentioned.
The actors are okay but you can only be as good as the script is...looking similar alone wont do the job. Music is obviously great but other than that, just watch literally any documentation on her life on YouTube and you're more informed about Amy than from watching this pseudo sentimental interpretation of young artist.
If you're really a Fan of Amy, you can't like this movie.
- sidneysiobhan
- Apr 15, 2024
- Permalink
Felt like I needed to defend this one
Tl; DR - The lead's portrayal of Winehouse is spot-on, with her own vocals adding an authentic touch. It is a bit sentimental, but it's a journey that will reignite your love for her music (it's been playing non-stop in our house all morning).
Not a review writer. Big movie fan, but what do I know about good or bad - other than what I like?
The critics may have been harsh, but this movie isn't a documentary-style biopic. It's a beautifully stylized, unique interpretation of her life, offering a sympathetic view (as most Hollywood biopics do). It's a blend of the bitter and the sweet, which is what makes it so captivating.
Abela's performance in the title role was pleasantly - surprisingly - good, like award contender good. Just like Kilmer did for The Doors movie, they sang a perfect version of their characters. The cinematography and wardrobe create an immersive experience, pulling you into a place and time in her world.
You don't want to read a long review, so I'll cut this short: If you want to see the blood and guts of a deeply troubled person, this is not for you. If you want to rediscover her music and see a layer below what you might have known, see the movie and enjoy the sweet ... and the sour.
Not a review writer. Big movie fan, but what do I know about good or bad - other than what I like?
The critics may have been harsh, but this movie isn't a documentary-style biopic. It's a beautifully stylized, unique interpretation of her life, offering a sympathetic view (as most Hollywood biopics do). It's a blend of the bitter and the sweet, which is what makes it so captivating.
Abela's performance in the title role was pleasantly - surprisingly - good, like award contender good. Just like Kilmer did for The Doors movie, they sang a perfect version of their characters. The cinematography and wardrobe create an immersive experience, pulling you into a place and time in her world.
You don't want to read a long review, so I'll cut this short: If you want to see the blood and guts of a deeply troubled person, this is not for you. If you want to rediscover her music and see a layer below what you might have known, see the movie and enjoy the sweet ... and the sour.
- toddmwilmsSF
- May 17, 2024
- Permalink
It's not all that unfortunately
'Back to Black' is not the best.
The opening chunk of the movie, say the first 30-45 minutes, is not good, a very rocky beginning. The introduction to the characters felt unnatural, the spontaneous moments of the lead character (who they make a tiny bit unlikeable at around that point) singing... borderline cringe. I will say, though, from after that the film does improve, funnily enough once the titular track plays I enjoyed this more.
Now for the cast. Marisa Abela is, acting-wise, decent enough, I'm not sold on her likeness to Amy Winehouse but I only really know of the musician minimally in her later years so I could very likely be wrong to question it to be fair. Her accent seemed forced as well, though that could be a similar case as to what I just mentioned with the resemblance.
I did feel like I was watching Abela acting like Winehouse, rather than Winehouse portrayed by Abela. What I mean by that is in the best biopics I feel like I'm watching the person depicted, almost documentary-esque, but here it felt more obvious that I was watching someone act as someone, if that makes sense. Same can be said for Jack O'Connell, I know zero about Blake Fielder-Civil but still felt like O'Connell was overtly imitating someone.
There are positives, though. Lesley Manville puts in a good performance, her scenes with Abela are the film at its strongest. Eddie Marsan is solid too. It also does what's needed to make you care for the main character, even if that isn't all that difficult. Winehouse's big songs, at least all the ones I know of, are featured well; I most liked 'Valerie' years back, but that eponymous track really is outstanding.
No doubt super sad how Winehouse's life played out, I knew she died fairly young but when the epilogue details that she passed at just 27 it really does hit hard... such a waste. As for this movie in itself, mind, it's not all that unfortunately.
The opening chunk of the movie, say the first 30-45 minutes, is not good, a very rocky beginning. The introduction to the characters felt unnatural, the spontaneous moments of the lead character (who they make a tiny bit unlikeable at around that point) singing... borderline cringe. I will say, though, from after that the film does improve, funnily enough once the titular track plays I enjoyed this more.
Now for the cast. Marisa Abela is, acting-wise, decent enough, I'm not sold on her likeness to Amy Winehouse but I only really know of the musician minimally in her later years so I could very likely be wrong to question it to be fair. Her accent seemed forced as well, though that could be a similar case as to what I just mentioned with the resemblance.
I did feel like I was watching Abela acting like Winehouse, rather than Winehouse portrayed by Abela. What I mean by that is in the best biopics I feel like I'm watching the person depicted, almost documentary-esque, but here it felt more obvious that I was watching someone act as someone, if that makes sense. Same can be said for Jack O'Connell, I know zero about Blake Fielder-Civil but still felt like O'Connell was overtly imitating someone.
There are positives, though. Lesley Manville puts in a good performance, her scenes with Abela are the film at its strongest. Eddie Marsan is solid too. It also does what's needed to make you care for the main character, even if that isn't all that difficult. Winehouse's big songs, at least all the ones I know of, are featured well; I most liked 'Valerie' years back, but that eponymous track really is outstanding.
No doubt super sad how Winehouse's life played out, I knew she died fairly young but when the epilogue details that she passed at just 27 it really does hit hard... such a waste. As for this movie in itself, mind, it's not all that unfortunately.
Inauthentic and b*stardized. Watch "Amy" instead.
Poor casting choice all around. This is a very inauthentic and bastardized account of Amy's life, leaving large and important chunks of her life entirely out of this film while filling it with fictional events that never occurred. Mitch was a horrible father and Blake was a complete POS, yet this film paints both of them as angels while the narrative depicts Amy as the unwell villain of her own life. They couldn't even be bothered to cast someone who remotely resembles her, nor did they use Amy's vocals for the music. This film is horrendously disrespectful and distasteful. Avoid it at all costs and watch the beautifully filmed documentary, "Amy", instead.
Sugar Coated & Lovable by Avoiding the Weeds
I'm on the side who don't see how people can call this a bad movie. It's wonderful.
If they set out to show Amy's lovable personality by ignoring the bad, it's an entirely effective film. Also has one of the most endearing on-screen kisses I can remember since the ending of Planes Trains & Automobiles.
Her voice is powerful.
Blake's character is memorable perhaps a little too likable.
Chalked full of subtle Easter eggs reminiscent to aspects of Amy's life, with details one would remember from an interview, etc..They're able to get to the root of her trauma without taking us too far into the weeds.
The only casting I don't think they got quite right was Amy's father. He has a domineering personality and this character was small and soft in comparison. Also wish they gave Mark Ronson's character screen time and showed more of the process of making Back to Black. It was such an influential album and the process of how the unique sound came about is worth noting.
The story transitions are well done, sign posting to the causation of her increased addiction, while still maintaining Amy's integrity.
The close-ups are effective. Atmosphere of British street life is present. The soundtrack is excellent: not an overkill of Amy songs, GREAT choices by other artists she was influenced by.
I think the simplicity of the script is in order to translate across many countries. It was released in Europe a month before America gets the chance to tare it apart; which I believe was a smart choice,
I believe the simplicity in dialogue is so that it can translate well when duped in other languages.
On some level people are upset because the role of Amy is considered hallowed-ground and they expect a metamorphosis.. where as a few years ago an actress would push herself to the brink of death becoming the character. Marisa basically just learned the mannerisms... the days of artists dying over roles may be over.
I don't love, but appreciate the ending, we're left with the real Amy to remember.
There are some fun clips of Amy on Youtube to search which will show how accurate her portrayal was. Just a few breadcrumbs into the real Amy, I recommend watching:
Amy winehouse Stealing a Magazine?
Amy Winehouse Buys Paps a Cheeseburger.
Amy winehouse Talks About Divorce & X Factor.
Amy Does a Bump of Cocaine From Her Hair on Stage.
Amy Wandering Motorway.
One of the best answers I've ever heard to an interviewer asking a celebrity if she feels its difficult being a woman in the industry Amy replies: "Only when I'm on my period." Genius.
She was truly a free spirit. Wish the film showed how extremely funny and witty she really was. It was her best attribute. VERY polite but cutting when necessary.
Taunting the paparazzi saying "Where's your wife.. where's your wife... she can't cook... she can't cook... "
Lastly, I remember her Camden neighbor interviewed saying he heard strange sounds coming from Amy's apartment the night of her death. What was described sounded like a ritual and made to look like her death was a satanic sacrifice on behalf of the music industry..
It was reported the neighbors heard chanting, drums beating, and moaning like some sort of sexual snuff thing. These quotes from the neighbor can be found on line. I always thought it was strange because he said he heard them at 3am along with crying etc.. however, her body wasn't found until the next afternoon apparently... very strange.
If they set out to show Amy's lovable personality by ignoring the bad, it's an entirely effective film. Also has one of the most endearing on-screen kisses I can remember since the ending of Planes Trains & Automobiles.
Her voice is powerful.
Blake's character is memorable perhaps a little too likable.
Chalked full of subtle Easter eggs reminiscent to aspects of Amy's life, with details one would remember from an interview, etc..They're able to get to the root of her trauma without taking us too far into the weeds.
The only casting I don't think they got quite right was Amy's father. He has a domineering personality and this character was small and soft in comparison. Also wish they gave Mark Ronson's character screen time and showed more of the process of making Back to Black. It was such an influential album and the process of how the unique sound came about is worth noting.
The story transitions are well done, sign posting to the causation of her increased addiction, while still maintaining Amy's integrity.
The close-ups are effective. Atmosphere of British street life is present. The soundtrack is excellent: not an overkill of Amy songs, GREAT choices by other artists she was influenced by.
I think the simplicity of the script is in order to translate across many countries. It was released in Europe a month before America gets the chance to tare it apart; which I believe was a smart choice,
I believe the simplicity in dialogue is so that it can translate well when duped in other languages.
On some level people are upset because the role of Amy is considered hallowed-ground and they expect a metamorphosis.. where as a few years ago an actress would push herself to the brink of death becoming the character. Marisa basically just learned the mannerisms... the days of artists dying over roles may be over.
I don't love, but appreciate the ending, we're left with the real Amy to remember.
There are some fun clips of Amy on Youtube to search which will show how accurate her portrayal was. Just a few breadcrumbs into the real Amy, I recommend watching:
Amy winehouse Stealing a Magazine?
Amy Winehouse Buys Paps a Cheeseburger.
Amy winehouse Talks About Divorce & X Factor.
Amy Does a Bump of Cocaine From Her Hair on Stage.
Amy Wandering Motorway.
One of the best answers I've ever heard to an interviewer asking a celebrity if she feels its difficult being a woman in the industry Amy replies: "Only when I'm on my period." Genius.
She was truly a free spirit. Wish the film showed how extremely funny and witty she really was. It was her best attribute. VERY polite but cutting when necessary.
Taunting the paparazzi saying "Where's your wife.. where's your wife... she can't cook... she can't cook... "
Lastly, I remember her Camden neighbor interviewed saying he heard strange sounds coming from Amy's apartment the night of her death. What was described sounded like a ritual and made to look like her death was a satanic sacrifice on behalf of the music industry..
It was reported the neighbors heard chanting, drums beating, and moaning like some sort of sexual snuff thing. These quotes from the neighbor can be found on line. I always thought it was strange because he said he heard them at 3am along with crying etc.. however, her body wasn't found until the next afternoon apparently... very strange.
I think we took all of the drugs?......
- FlashCallahan
- May 14, 2024
- Permalink
Marisa Abela Shines in a Disjointed Amy Winehouse Biopic That Misses the Mark
Marisa Abela's portrayal of Amy Winehouse is a standout in an otherwise messy film. Her performance is a solid 10/10 and deserves a standing ovation.
But the film itself falls short, tangled in a disjointed script that leaves the audience emotionally adrift. There's a big disconnect between the characters and the viewers, making it hard to really connect with the story. In contrast, Asif Kapadia's documentary "Amy" broke our hearts by offering an intimate look into the life of a woman many of us never met but felt we knew by the end.
For those who don't know Winehouse's tumultuous journey, this film doesn't offer much clarity. It meanders through her life, failing to paint a clear picture of the real Amy. Despite the stellar cast, their great performances can't save the film's fragmented storytelling.
The movie glosses over crucial aspects of Amy's life, simplifying her complex struggles into a narrative that lacks the emotional depth and authenticity that her story deserves.
But the film itself falls short, tangled in a disjointed script that leaves the audience emotionally adrift. There's a big disconnect between the characters and the viewers, making it hard to really connect with the story. In contrast, Asif Kapadia's documentary "Amy" broke our hearts by offering an intimate look into the life of a woman many of us never met but felt we knew by the end.
For those who don't know Winehouse's tumultuous journey, this film doesn't offer much clarity. It meanders through her life, failing to paint a clear picture of the real Amy. Despite the stellar cast, their great performances can't save the film's fragmented storytelling.
The movie glosses over crucial aspects of Amy's life, simplifying her complex struggles into a narrative that lacks the emotional depth and authenticity that her story deserves.
- jiujitsu-24389
- May 17, 2024
- Permalink
Amazing performance, ok movie
Here we go again with another biopic. BACK TO BLACK focuses on singer Amy Winehouse (Marisa Abela) and her iconic voice, who was taken from us way too soon back in 2011, at just 27 years old. I have voiced my opinion about biopics in the past, so I'll be brief. In my opinion, biopics are made to give the audience an in-depth look at somebody who made their unique mark on the world, considering the good AND the bad. Nobody is perfect. You can't just show us what happened to them. You have to dive deeper into the person beyond their fame. Director Sam Taylor-Johnson has made a dark fairy tale version of Amy's life, from her perspective. Her toxic love story with Blake Fielder-Civil is portrayed here, my favourite scene being when they meet. This feels like the sanitization of who she was as a person. It feels too safe, too studio-led. This reminds me of BOB MARLEY: ONE LOVE. When the families of the subject get involved, most of the time it loses its creative flair, at least to me. This movie's saving grace though, is Marisa's breakthrough performance. She perfected Amy's mannerisms, her grit, even her voice. Marisa actually sang in this! She hadn't even sung before filming this. She carries BACK TO BLACK on her shoulders. Saying that, I'm not sure you need to see this in the theaters. I do however, recommend you see the amazing documentary AMY, which I still remember to this day.
- stevencsmovies
- May 21, 2024
- Permalink