Compressing a whole life into a 90-minute runtime is a nearly impossible task, yet filmmakers have been attempting it for over 100 years.
We are often left with movies that smooth over the edges of their subject’s life, grossly misrepresent actual events that occurred, or miscast an actor so egregiously that the whole project becomes offensive (John Wayne playing Atilla the Hun in “The Conqueror” is the prime example of this one). Even when filmmakers cast people to play themselves, they can still get things wrong (as we heard firsthand from Arlo Guthrie when he joined us for a screening of “Alice’s Restaurant” last month).
If it’s so hard to get a biopic right, why try at all? The obvious answer is a cynical one: Biopics are perennial awards favorites and often an actor’s best bet to secure an Oscar (seven out of the last 10 Best Actor winners won for portraying a real person). Look at it one way, and these projects do nothing but bolster careers and cash in on the often turbulent lives of public figures. But, if done right, biopics can provide a new insight into the lives of people we thought we knew.
“Back to Black,” which opens at The Triplex this week, is a reexamination of the tragically short life of singer-songwriter Amy Winehouse. Thanks in part to an often cruel and predatory focus from the press, Winehouse is remembered for her struggles with substance abuse as much as her music. “Back to Black” attempts to reframe Winehouse’s narrative, reminding audiences that a human being was caught up in those tabloid headlines.
And that is the beauty of a biopic: It can allow us to relive or recontextualize the past. While 90 minutes (or even an “Oppenheimer”-esque three hours) may not be enough time to get all the details right, it can be an impactful way to learn more about the people and stories we thought we knew.
Which, hopefully, means the next time the world encounters someone like Amy Winehouse, we won’t be so quick to assume we know the whole story.
Now Playing
“Challengers”
A sexy sports drama with Zendaya, Josh O’Connor, and Mike Faist.
From Luca Guadagnino, director of “Call Me By Your Name,” comes a sexy, intense drama about what it means to win. Zendaya stars as a tennis-player-turned-coach who becomes romantically involved with two tennis players (Josh O’Connor and Mike Faist) and manipulates their relationships to produce results—both on and off the court.
“The Fall Guy”
A throwback action-comedy with Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt.
Ryan Gosling stars as a stuntman tasked with finding a missing movie star, unraveling a conspiracy, and winning back the love of his life (Emily Blunt)—all while getting kicked, punched, and blown up at his day job. Director David Leitch’s ode to the hardest working people in show business is an old-school blockbuster that you need to see on a big screen.
Coming Soon
“Babes”
Dubbed “The Bridesmaids of babymaking” by Rolling Stone, “Babes” is a defining comedy for millennial motherhood. When carefree Eden (co-writer Ilana Glazer, “Broad City”) decides to have a baby on her own after a one-night stand, it risks forever changing the dynamics of her lifelong friendship with Dawn (Michelle Buteau).
“Limbo”
A hard-boiled noir that dives deep into the lingering injustices faced by Australia’s Aboriginal people, “Limbo” is one of the most striking movies you will see this year. Shot in breathtaking black and white by writer-director Ivan Sen, “Limbo” follows detective Travis Hurley (Simon Baker, “The Mentalist”) as he works to reopen a 20-year-old cold case in the heart of the Australian outback.
“Limbo” plays as part of The Triplex’s Limited Engagement Series from May 24 through 30.
“Le Samouraï”
The epitome of new-wave neo-noir comes to The Triplex in a brand new restoration, Jean-Pierre Melville’s “Le Samouraï” is the story of Jef (Alain Delon), a methodical hitman pursued by crime bosses and police when there is a witness to his latest job. A stylish classic that directly influenced movies like “Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai,” “Drive,” and “The Killer,” don’t miss your chance to see “Le Samouraï” in this brand new digital remastering.
“Le Samouraï” plays as part of The Triplex’s Limited Engagement Series from May 24 through 30.
