RAMI IS PURE FRED BRILLIANT

THERE was only one Freddie Mercury but Rami Malek is as close as you will get. This biopic of Queen was always going to be more about the lead singer than the rest but it still manages to show the group no one-man band. And while Malek is undoubtedly the star, Ben Hardy as Roger Taylor, Gwilym Lee as Brian May and Joseph Mazzello as John Deacon are all outstanding. Indeed, sometimes you tend to forget this isn’t the real deal. Hardy encapsulates cheeky rockstar Taylor, Lee shines as musical brain May and Mazzello captures the essence of quiet man Deacon. Purists will be critical that the story does not follow events in chronological order but the film is not a documentary for the die-hard fans, it is, first and foremost, a movie for entertainment with an incredible soundtrack.

Any true rock and roll band has its artistic differences and bust-ups and these giants of rock and roll were no different. While the movie deals with some of the issues – mainly caused as a result of Mercury’s massive ego – you get the sense it only touches the surface of what really went on.

There will undoubtedly be criticism of the way Mercury’s hedonistic lifestyle is laid out but Malek manages to portray Mercury as a tortured soul, easily manipulated by those who flatter to deceive. The love of Mercury’s life remained his former fiancee Mary Austin right until his death. As he came to realise he was gay, their relationship moved to a different level and their love is tenderly played out in moving scenes between Malek and Lucy Boynton.

While the emotionally charged film deals with Mercury’s inner conflicts and his AIDS diagnosis, there are plenty of laugh out loud moments too.

And the climax of their appearance at Live Aid is a joy – capturing every nuance of their wondrous performance. Whatever else you may think of the film this is a truly spectacular re-enactment.

There may be those quick to slate it for their own personal agendas but the critics similarly slated the eponymous song when it was first released. As entertainment it is a triumph worthy of rock royalty.