So now we come to the second nominee absolutely mired in controversy. Much debate has been sparked about separating art from artists and how much culpability actors and crew have for working with known or suspected criminals and how or if people should support work that bears the name of an alleged rapist. So for people who don't know, Bryan Singer was fired from the production of Bohemian Rhapsody because he was repeatedly late to set or sometimes just didn't show up at all for weeks and put production way behind. Due to some Director's Guild bylaws, he still received full credit as director. Then, a couple of months ago, allegations resurfaced that Singer had abused and raped teenaged boys during parties at his house. Singer's predilections had been an open secret in Hollywood for many years but this is the first time multiple victims have stepped forward and gone on record. Singer has denied the allegations and referred to the article as a homophobic attack against him for personal reasons by the author.
What does any of that have to do with the movie? Well, it raises concerns about praising a work by an alleged pedophile, and the wider reaches of the #MeToo movement. People like Roman Polanski (who was convicted of statutory rape in absentia and now lives in exile) and Woody Allen (not convicted but who has had allegations made his entire career) are lauded by critics for their genius and have received millions of dollars which enable them to avoid justice. Wealth and regard create a bubble of protection for men like this and the victims are ignored or dismissed as opportunistic gold-diggers which makes it even harder for fresh victims to come forward.
Given how rewarded this film has already been, it's a perfect lightning rod for these kinds of discussions but we're here to discuss the film itself, since I don't feel qualified to offer any kind of opinion beyond that Bryan Singer sounds like an asshole even if he is never convicted of being a rapist.
College musicians Bryan May (Gwilym Lee) and Roger Taylor (Ben Hardy) are bummed to lose their lead singer (Jack Roth) to another band when a funny big-mouthed Persian man auditions in an alleyway and the biggest rock-and-roll group in the world is born. Freddie Mercury (Rami Malek) has a huge personality to go with his huge range and the band takes off, coining hit after hit until fame, fortune, and selfish impulses drive a wedge between them.
Honestly, this is a pretty by-the-numbers biopic. 1. Humble beginnings. 2. Rise to fame. 3. Heights of fortune. 4. Tension as money comes between them. 5. Tragic fall. 6. Rise from ashes.
The only true thing that sets it apart is Malek's portrayal. He does everything he can short of using a Ouija board to channel Freddie Mercury. Is it enough to win Best Actor? Almost definitely. Is it deserved? That's a question for history to answer.
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