“Bohemian Rhapsody”, 2018
Director: Bryan Singer
A biographical drama about Freddie Mercury, the lead singer of the rock band Queen. The film follows his life from joining the band to their iconic performance at Live Aid in 1985.
Starring: Rami Malek, Lucy Boynton, Gwilym Lee, Ben Hardy, Joseph Mazzello, Aidan Gillen, Allen Leech, Tom Hollander, Mike Myers, Aaron McCusker;
Production year: 2018;
Genre: biography, music, drama;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 134 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,9;
More information about the film “Bohemian Rhapsody” on the website imdb.com
“Rocketman”, 2019
Director: Dexter Fletcher
This biographical musical film is based on the life of Elton John, from his early days at the Royal Academy of Music through his musical partnership with Bernie Taupin and his rise to fame, dealing with his struggles with addiction, identity, and relationships.
Starring: Taron Egerton, Jamie Bell, Richard Madden, Bryce Dallas Howard, Gemma Jones, Steven Mackintosh, Tom Bennett, Matthew Illesley, Kit Connor, Charlie Rowe;
Production year: 2019;
Genre: biography, music, musical, drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 121 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,3;
More information about the film “Rocketman” on the website imdb.com
“Selena”, 1997
Director: Gregory Nava
This biographical drama charts the life of Selena Quintanilla-Pérez, a rising Tejano music star, from her early life in Texas to her rise to fame and her tragic death at the age of 23.
Starring: Jennifer Lopez, Jackie Guerra, Constance Marie, Alex Meneses, Jon Seda, Edward James Olmos, Jacob Vargas, Pete Astudillo, Rueben Gonzáles, Ricky Vela;
Production year: 1997;
Genre: biography, music, drama;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 127 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,8;
More information about the film “Selena” on the website imdb.com
“The Bodyguard”, 1992
Director: Mick Jackson
Starring Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner, this romantic drama follows a pop star who hires a former Secret Service agent to protect her from an unknown stalker, leading to an unexpected romance.
Starring: Kevin Costner, Whitney Houston, Gary Kemp, Bill Cobbs, Ralph Waite, Tomas Arana, Michele Lamar Richards, Mike Starr, Christopher Birt, DeVaughn Nixon;
Production year: 1992;
Genre: melodrama, music, thriller;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 129 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,4;
More information about the film “The Bodyguard” on the website imdb.com
“Ray”, 2004
Director: Taylor Hackford
A biographical film about the life of Ray Charles, from his humble beginnings in the South, through his rise to fame with his unique sound, battling racism, heroin addiction, and personal demons along the way.
Starring: Jamie Foxx, Kerry Washington, Regina King, Clifton Powell, Harry J. Lennix, Bokeem Woodbine, Aunjanue Ellis, Sharon Warren, C.J. Sanders, Curtis Armstrong;
Production year: 2004;
Genre: drama, biography, music;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 152 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,7;
More information about the film “Ray” on the website imdb.com
“Control”, 2007
Director: Anton Corbijn
A British biographical film chronicling the life of Ian Curtis, the lead singer and lyricist for the post-punk band Joy Division. The film explores his struggle with epilepsy, his marriage, and his career before his tragic suicide at the age of 23.
Starring: Sam Riley, Samantha Morton, Alexandra Maria Lara, Joe Anderson, James Pearson, Harry Treadaway, Craig Parkinson, Toby Kebbell, Andrew Sheridan, Robert Shelly;
Production year: 2007;
Genre: biography, music, drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 122 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,6;
“Walk the Line”, 2005
Director: James Mangold
This biographical drama follows the life of country music legend Johnny Cash, focusing on his early life, his romance with June Carter, and his ascent to fame, while dealing with personal issues and substance abuse.
Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Reese Witherspoon, Ginnifer Goodwin, Robert Patrick, Dallas Roberts, Dan John Miller, Larry Bagby, Shelby Lynne, Tyler Hilton, Waylon Payne;
Production year: 2005;
Genre: drama, melodrama, biography, music;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 136 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,8;
More information about the film “Walk the Line” on the website imdb.com
These films not only entertain but also deepen our understanding of the complexities faced by those who live their lives in the spotlight.
In conclusion, films about pop stars offer a multifaceted exploration of fame, personal struggle, and the undying spirit of creativity. They stand as both a testament to the complexities of the music industry and a tribute to the personal journeys of artists who have left an indelible mark on popular culture. Whether fictional narratives or biographical documentaries, these films resonate deeply with audiences, providing not just entertainment but also a reflective mirror into the lives of those who soundtrack our existence. As they weave the personal triumphs and tribulations of these iconic figures with the evolution of their musical legacies, these films continue to captivate and inspire, reminding us of the power of music to connect, to heal, and to transform.
