What’s It About
The extraordinary story of Amy Winehouse’s early rise to fame from her early days in Camden through the making of her groundbreaking album, Back to Black that catapulted Winehouse to global fame. Told through Amy’s eyes and inspired by her deeply personal lyrics, the film explores and embraces the many layers of the iconic artist and the tumultuous love story at the center of one of the most legendary albums of all time.
MOVIESinMO REVIEW
The movie Back to Black, a biopic directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson, delves into the tumultuous life of the legendary singer and songwriter Amy Winehouse. When news of the film’s production first surfaced, many of Winehouse’s devoted fans expressed concerns about how her complex and troubled life would be portrayed on the big screen. They feared the movie might not capture the essence of who Amy Winehouse was and the depth of her struggles. One of the main points of contention surrounding the film is its portrayal of critical individuals in Winehouse’s life, including her father Mitch and ex-husband Blake Fielder-Civil. Critics argue that the movie fails to provide a nuanced and empathetic insight into the dynamics of Winehouse’s relationships and their impact on her life and career. Despite its flaws, the film does have its strengths. The actors’ performances, particularly Marisa Abela’s portrayal of Amy Winehouse, have been widely praised for their authenticity and emotional depth. The depiction of Amy’s grandmother, Cynthia, and other significant characters also leaves a lasting impression. However, the film’s script and overall approach to capturing Amy’s life have been criticized for not fully delving into the complexities of her personality and struggles. The movie falls short in providing a deep and empathetic understanding of Winehouse’s experiences, leaving much to be desired in truly honoring her legacy. I’m not a huge Winehouse fan, but I hoped for more from such an interesting artist. Back to Black feels more like the standard Hollywood cash grab than an honest artist biopic. Despite the film’s shortcomings, Amy Winehouse’s impact as a unique and influential artist will undoubtedly endure for generations to come, ensuring that her legacy continues to resonate with fans and musicians alike.
OUR RATING – A DRY TEARS 4
MEDIA
- Genre – Biography
- Street date
- Digital – June 4, 2024
- DVD/Blu-Ray – July 23, 2024
- Video – 1080p
- Screen size – 1.85:1
- Sound – Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital 5.1, English Descriptive Audio
- Subtitles – English SDH, French, Spanish
Extras
- Transforming Into an Icon
- • Cast and crew discuss bringing the essence of Amy Winehouse on-screen. Learn how Marisa Abela was cast to play the musical icon and the extensive training she went through to embody the role.
- Music as the Heartbeat
- • BACK TO BLACK is a story that uses Amy’s albums and musical performances to drive the narrative. Hear from cast and crew, including some of Amy’s former bandmates, on the importance of music authenticity in the film.
- Feature Commentary with Director Sam Taylor-Johnson