The recent buzz around Baz Luhrmann’s portrayal of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Elvis, is just the latest in a long line of storytelling that roots itself in the storied lives of musicians. With series like Pistol about the Sex Pistols on FX, and Netflix hits like Selena and Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, alongside silver screen gems such as Judy, Rocketman, Respect, and Bohemian Rhapsody, our screens have been graced with a near-constant parade of these musical sagas. Such films often adhere to a tried-and-true narrative template, which can become wearisome amid a flood of them. These film biographies, drawing from flesh-and-blood legends, must tread carefully, lest they veer too much into fiction.
It’s no revelation that the seesaw of fortune in musicians’ lives has been fodder for screenwriters and viewers alike. The quintessential rise-from-nothing tale typifies the hero’s arc and captivates people globally, with song-and-dance sequences amplifying the entertainment factor. Yet, there are times when the dramatic retelling of real events doesn’t hit the right chord, driving some to seek out fresh, uncharted narratives. Here, we delve into a curation of eight top films that offer the aura of a biographical film but are woven from the threads of imagination.
Wild Rose
The movie Wild Rose stars Jessie Buckley as a fiery Scottish single mom named Rose-Lynn Harlan, who pours her heart into becoming a country music sensation. Fresh from prison and laden with personal responsibilities, Rose-Lynn navigates the complexities of balancing motherhood with her burning ambition. A cleaning job at the plush home of an upper-class woman, played by Sophie Okonedo, offers Rose-Lynn a glimpse into a world of possibilities. Tormented by the desire to chase her dreams against her mother’s (Julie Walters) wishes, Rose-Lynn embarks on a turbulent quest for fame. Blending the grittier slices of life with the enchantment of Nashville dreams, Wild Rose channels the essence of biopic storytelling with a sprinkle of creative liberty.
Almost Famous
In Almost Famous, viewers are taken on a musical rollercoaster alongside William Miller (Patrick Fugit), a young, budding rock journalist. Crafted from director Cameron Crowe’s own memories, the film spins a tale of William’s escapades with Stillwater, a burgeoning rock band. As William juggles the affections of the enigmatic Penny Lane (Kate Hudson) and the evasive charm of musician Russell Hammond (Billy Crudup), he finds himself woven into the very fabric of ’70s rock counterculture. The film is a rhythmic journey of self-discovery, brimming with colorful characters, an evocative soundtrack, and the irresistible allure of the music scene.
Inside Llewyn Davis
The Coen Brothers present a poignant narrative with Inside Llewyn Davis, capturing the soul-searching journey of a struggling folk artist in the wintry backdrop of 1960s New York. Llewyn Davis, played by Oscar Isaac, grapples with his fading career and dwindling prospects, his story painted in shades of perseverance and melancholy. This moody cinema gem presents an unvarnished glimpse into the battles of creative existence, complete with the Coen signature blend of wit and despair, chronicling one man’s pursuit of artistic validation.
A Star is Born
A Star is Born has echoed across generations, with its tale of rising stardom and waning success captivating audiences in four separate renditions since its 1937 debut. With each iteration steeped in the sounds and sentiments of its era, the film retains its core – a tale of love, aspiration, and the intoxicating yet punishing nature of fame. This enduring saga continues to resignify the familiar narrative of a mentor and muse entwined in a melodious trajectory beset with personal and public tribulations.
Sound of Metal
Delving into a life-altering saga, Sound of Metal sits at the intersection of creativity and crisis as it follows Ruben (Riz Ahmed), a punk-metal drummer facing the sudden silence of deafness. The movie poignantly portrays Ruben’s struggle to reconcile his deaf identity with the life he once knew. Inspired by the real-life duo Jucifer, the film’s textured narrative oscillates between denial and acceptance, offering a compelling exploration of personal upheaval and adaptation in the face of an unanticipated quiet.
Sing Street
Set in the vibrant chaos of 1980s Dublin, Sing Street directs the spotlight onto Conor (Ferdia Walsh-Peelo), a young dreamer who forms a band to win over the elusive Raphina (Lucy Boynton). Treading through the trials of adolescence and complex family dynamics, the musical journey of Sing Street reflects a heart-warming, coming-of-age story, with all the ups and downs of finding one’s voice and carving out a place in the world.
La La Land
In the city of stars, La La Land unfolds a whimsical tale of dreamers Mia (Emma Stone) and Sebastian (Ryan Gosling), whose ambitious hearts beat in tune with the glittering hope of Hollywood. This modern classic waltzes through their intertwined aspirations and the romance entangled in passionate jazz and soul-stirring auditions. As their dawn-lit dances contend with the cost of ambition, the cinematic portrait of this aspiring actress and reflective jazz aficionado captures the tender yet tumultuous rhythm of love and achievement.
Once
Whispering a delicate Dublin ballad, Once chronicles the serendipitous bond between a street musician and an immigrant, sharing harmonies that resound with tales of poignant pasts and shy hopes for the future. As music becomes their shared language, the nuanced connection nurtured through melody weaves a narrative that celebrates the poetics of partnership and the healing chords of companionship.