Biopics have long been a popular genre in the film industry, allowing audiences to engage with the life stories of influential figures. However, when biopics focus on living individuals, the stakes become higher. From concerns over authenticity to navigating public and critical reception, biopics of living people face unique challenges in today’s media landscape. This article explores how these films fare in the modern industry, examining the role of narrative challenges, legal concerns, and the involvement of the subject.
Authenticity and Accuracy
One of the most pressing issues for biopics about living people is authenticity and accuracy. Filmmakers must tread a fine line between creating a compelling narrative and staying true to real-life events. Since the subject is still alive, they, along with the public, have the ability to scrutinize the portrayal for factual inaccuracies or misrepresentation.
For example, the 2018 biopic Bohemian Rhapsody about Freddie Mercury was praised for its performances and music, but it faced criticism for taking liberties with the timeline of events in Mercury’s life. When dealing with the stories of living individuals, these creative choices are often scrutinized more harshly, as they can affect the subject’s reputation and legacy.
Public and Critical Reception
The public and critical reception of biopics can vary dramatically depending on how the subject is perceived and how they are portrayed. Living subjects and their fanbases often have strong opinions about how their story should be told, and if a biopic diverges from public expectations, it may face backlash.
In contrast, biopics that strike a balance between respectful storytelling and engaging narratives can receive acclaim. The Social Network (2010), which focuses on Mark Zuckerberg, is an example of a biopic about a living figure that was critically successful, even though Zuckerberg himself expressed discomfort with the film. The movie’s nuanced portrayal of the complex dynamics behind Facebook’s creation resonated with audiences and critics alike.
Involvement of the Subject
The involvement of the subject in the production of the biopic can significantly influence how the film is received. When a living individual is directly involved, it may lend the film credibility, as audiences tend to view the story as more authentic. However, such involvement can also lead to accusations of bias, particularly if the film glosses over more controversial aspects of the subject’s life.
For instance, Rocketman (2019), a biopic of Elton John, was made with the singer’s full participation and approval. John’s involvement allowed the film to dive deeply into his personal struggles and career triumphs, which gave the movie an intimate and authentic feel. On the other hand, the level of involvement can sometimes result in a more sanitized portrayal, which can limit the film’s critical reception if audiences feel the story is overly curated.
Legal and Ethical Concerns
Biopics of living individuals must also navigate legal and ethical concerns. Filmmakers face potential legal issues if the subject or those close to them feel they have been defamed or misrepresented. Unauthorized biopics, in particular, can lead to lawsuits or public disputes between the subject and the filmmakers.
Ethically, filmmakers need to consider how their portrayal might impact the individual and their personal life. In some cases, bringing light to sensitive or controversial issues can affect not only the subject but also their family and close associates. Legal battles have arisen over biopics like Straight Outta Compton (2015), where former N.W.A. manager Jerry Heller sued the filmmakers for defamation, although the case was later dismissed.
Box Office Performance
The box office performance of biopics about living people can vary, often depending on the popularity of the subject and how much the film resonates with audiences. Celebrities with large fanbases often see successful box office numbers, but films that are seen as overly dramatized or inaccurate may struggle.
Films like Bohemian Rhapsody and Rocketman not only performed well at the box office but also capitalized on the fan loyalty of the artists they portrayed. These films had strong marketing campaigns that emphasized their subjects’ legacies, which attracted both long-time fans and new viewers. However, less commercially appealing subjects or films with divisive portrayals can suffer from lukewarm box office results.
Awards and Recognition
Biopics of living people often fare well during awards season, with actors receiving recognition for their portrayals of real-life figures. These films tend to garner attention because they allow actors to showcase their ability to mimic or embody well-known personalities, which can be highly appealing to awards voters.
Rami Malek’s Oscar win for his portrayal of Freddie Mercury in Bohemian Rhapsody is a prime example of how playing a living or recently deceased person can lead to critical acclaim. However, awards recognition can be affected by the subject’s involvement in the film and whether the portrayal is viewed as authentic or biased.
Cultural and Political Impact
Biopics of living people often have a cultural and political impact, depending on the subject’s prominence in current events. These films can spark discussions about larger societal issues, ranging from race and gender politics to corporate ethics and activism. In many cases, biopics reflect the times in which they are made, and they can contribute to ongoing public discourse.
For instance, the release of Selma (2014) brought renewed attention to the civil rights movement and how its legacy impacts current social justice struggles. Although Martin Luther King Jr. was deceased, biopics about living civil rights leaders like Congressman John Lewis have had similar effects, helping to frame modern political narratives.
Marketing and Publicity
The marketing and publicity surrounding biopics of living people are critical to their success. A film’s marketing campaign often emphasizes the authenticity of the portrayal and the involvement (or lack thereof) of the subject. Whether the subject is a beloved public figure or a controversial one can greatly affect how the film is marketed.
Studios may also use the subject’s notoriety to generate buzz. For instance, social media campaigns, interviews, and special screenings with the living subject present can drive interest. This strategy was successfully employed in the promotion of The Social Network, where the drama behind the creation of Facebook added to the film’s intrigue.
Narrative Challenges
Telling the story of a living person comes with significant narrative challenges. The filmmakers must decide how much of the subject’s life to cover and whether to include more controversial or unflattering aspects. Since the subject is still living, their story is ongoing, which can make it difficult to create a satisfying narrative arc.
Films like Jobs (2013), about Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, grapple with how to portray a complex figure still influencing the world. The filmmakers have to balance storytelling with factual accuracy while ensuring the film remains engaging. These narrative challenges can make or break a biopic’s success.
Fan and Audience Expectations
Lastly, fan and audience expectations play a significant role in the success of biopics about living people. Fans of the subject often have strong opinions about how their favorite public figure should be portrayed, and any deviation from their expectations can lead to backlash. At the same time, audiences may expect a level of drama or embellishment that goes beyond the actual events.
Balancing these expectations is critical for filmmakers. If a film portrays the subject too positively, it can be accused of being a glorified public relations piece. If it delves too deeply into controversy, it risks alienating fans.
Biopics of living people present unique challenges and opportunities in the modern film industry. From navigating legal and ethical concerns to managing fan expectations, these films must strike a delicate balance between authenticity and entertainment. Despite these difficulties, when done well, biopics of living individuals can achieve critical acclaim, commercial success, and lasting cultural impact. As long as audiences remain captivated by the lives of real people, this genre will continue to thrive.
