‘There was so much more to Amy than her love life’
As biopic Back To Black continues to divide critics, Amy Winehouse’s longtime stylist and friend Naomi Parry delivers her verdict
WHEN I FIRST heard the official announcement that they were making a biopic about my friend Amy Winehouse, I was anxious. Not so much about Amy’s portrayal, but about their dredging up the darkness surrounding her passing, which still feels painfully fresh even after 13 years. I had initially been asked to be a part of the creative process but, to be honest, I felt it was too soon.
That being said, the Back To Black trailer piqued my interest. But when I heard actor Marisa Abela sing as Amy, I couldn’t help but feel conflicted. Amy possessed a distinctive voice and, while many talented individuals can impersonate her, they can never truly capture her essence. Watching someone attempt to portray a close friend is so challenging. Amy’s authenticity was just unparalleled and, although Marisa has admirably attempted to embody her, it’s a daunting task to encapsulate such a complex person.
Some critiques of the film fault it for sanitising Amy’s life and relationships.
I do appreciate the film-makers’ endeavours to highlight the positive parts of her life; there’s already been so much focus on the negativity. What is regrettable is how her female friendships were sidelined in favour of emphasising the ‘love story’ with Blake. Without them, you miss so much of her life and who she was as a person. Amy fiercely championed women and cherished her friendships, but these aspects seem overshadowed by a male-centric narrative. There are many people who were important to her who seem to be missing.
I remember Amy’s meteoric rise to fame in 2007 well and it was exhilarating initially, but, as her struggles with Blake intensified, her fame started to shift from being about her incredible music to the darkness in her personal life. The incessant intrusion into her private life became unbearable for her and so many of us around her, perpetuated by both paparazzi and fans seeking glimpses of her turmoil.
It appears as though Back To Black offers a softened portrayal of Amy’s life; she possessed an edge that’s likely been underrepresented. She was so much more than her romantic entanglements. She was so multifaceted – fun, feisty, raw and a trailblazer for artists. I think Amy would want her legacy to encompass her musical prowess, her unconventional persona and her impact on empowering women to embrace their authenticity. She defied the mould of the ‘perfect pop star’ in the best way, inspiring others to embrace their flaws and speak their truth. Amy’s memory deserves to be celebrated for all her intricacies.