[QUOTE][QUOTENAME]Tranchera wrote: [/QUOTENAME]Freddie Mercury, a Rabbi and God walk into a bar. The barman says to Freddie:
"AIDS."[/QUOTE]
Not bad. Are you going to expand it?
Here is my idea for an opening scene. Setting the scene in London: view of London from above (like in Mary Poppins or Google Earth); then the camera swoops down and gets into a taxi. Then it encounters lots of 1970's traffic and other characters, then it arrives at a market area and goes into Freddie's booth where he is selling art or clothing or something and adjusting his mirrors so he can see the girls trying on clothing in an opposite stall. There will be finger snaps - like in the beginning of Killer Queen. Then Roger appears with his shirt mostly unbuttoned, and a halo of light is behind him (aaaaaaahhhhhhh). Well ... I am just beginning to write my script. I hope Bob likes it or it will all have been a big waste of my time!
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Here's my opinion:
One man-on-man sex act--from a kiss on up to full-on love-making--of an actor playing Freddie on this film or any other one and it instantly becomes, for many die-hard Queen fans at least, a film that focuses too much on his Freddie's gayness.
It's as if some fans take Freddie's desire to be closeted or indeterminate in his sexuality in the public eye to also include our reception and representation of him to other people.
That's a bit of a stretch, for my taste.
One man-on-man sex act--from a kiss on up to full-on love-making--of an actor playing Freddie on this film or any other one and it instantly becomes, for many die-hard Queen fans at least, a film that focuses too much on his Freddie's gayness.
It's as if some fans take Freddie's desire to be closeted or indeterminate in his sexuality in the public eye to also include our reception and representation of him to other people.
That's a bit of a stretch, for my taste.
Depends on the Freddie you want to see on the screen, which I believe is a point either you or someone else brought up earlier in the thread.
Do we want to see the Freddie that Freddie wanted us to see? Or the Freddie as he was perceived at the time? Or a warts and all Freddie?
Given that he's been gone for 17 years and now only exists as the impressions he's left on other people, you really could go anywhere with a biopic on the man.
Freddie for instance insisted he was a normal, boring guy (or something like that... I don't have a quote handy).
One misconception is that he never 'found love', when in fact he did.
There are literally dozens of angles there, and my only hope is that they devise something that is true to Freddie... if I have to choose between fact and truth, I'd like a little bit of both, but something leaning towards truth.
Do we want to see the Freddie that Freddie wanted us to see? Or the Freddie as he was perceived at the time? Or a warts and all Freddie?
Given that he's been gone for 17 years and now only exists as the impressions he's left on other people, you really could go anywhere with a biopic on the man.
Freddie for instance insisted he was a normal, boring guy (or something like that... I don't have a quote handy).
One misconception is that he never 'found love', when in fact he did.
There are literally dozens of angles there, and my only hope is that they devise something that is true to Freddie... if I have to choose between fact and truth, I'd like a little bit of both, but something leaning towards truth.
Why did Freddie cross the road?
Because he had AIDs.
To be serious, though, a film about a gay person does not need, and is probably even better off without a gay sex scene in it. Even a film like Philadelphia, which was focusing on sexuality, didn't need a sex scene in it.
It just depends on if it's a film about Freddie, or a film about how he died. If it's a film about Freddie, there's no need to show the sex. Everyone has sex (er, most people) but there isn't a sex scene in every biopic ever.
If it's about his death, I still don't think the sex scene is necessary.
Because he had AIDs.
To be serious, though, a film about a gay person does not need, and is probably even better off without a gay sex scene in it. Even a film like Philadelphia, which was focusing on sexuality, didn't need a sex scene in it.
It just depends on if it's a film about Freddie, or a film about how he died. If it's a film about Freddie, there's no need to show the sex. Everyone has sex (er, most people) but there isn't a sex scene in every biopic ever.
If it's about his death, I still don't think the sex scene is necessary.
I don't know why this appeared earlier than what I was replying to?? Double post.
[QUOTE][QUOTENAME]Donna13 wrote: [/QUOTENAME]
Anyway, I think there are so many "little stories" about Freddie's life, that any number of stories could be told in different movies. I suppose all the possible ideas would have to be narrowed down quite a bit for any 2-hour movie.
Thanks, UP. Please keep us updated on what you hear, if it is safe to do so.[/QUOTE]
Thanks for the response Donna ... I'm trying to figure out exactly what the production status is at the time. Due to the clout of Mr. Cunningham I wouldn't be surprised if it were in some stage of pre-production. I would be tempted to work on a draft if I knew his was dead in the water.
Originally when the project was announced, it seemed as it would be structured as "a week in the life of" -- which maybe this draft started out as, but it didn't end up being as it jumps around in time too much. Personally I think this would be a great structure to go with, focusing on the Live Aid week, of course -- there are a number of events happening there, the beginning of his serious relationship with Jim, moving in to Garden Lodge, the aftermath of the Mr Bad Guy release and the South Africa gig, and the culmination of their bickering. As far as an arc, they were friendly again by the time the gig finished, and revitalized, you get to see how revered Freddie was by his famous peers, and perhaps you can even show the entirety of the true performance -- if the rights can be managed.
While maybe it leaves out some of the more notable fun anecdotes, it does give us a good portrait of him professionally and personally, without having to cram absolutely everything in about his history.
Anyway, I think there are so many "little stories" about Freddie's life, that any number of stories could be told in different movies. I suppose all the possible ideas would have to be narrowed down quite a bit for any 2-hour movie.
Thanks, UP. Please keep us updated on what you hear, if it is safe to do so.[/QUOTE]
Thanks for the response Donna ... I'm trying to figure out exactly what the production status is at the time. Due to the clout of Mr. Cunningham I wouldn't be surprised if it were in some stage of pre-production. I would be tempted to work on a draft if I knew his was dead in the water.
Originally when the project was announced, it seemed as it would be structured as "a week in the life of" -- which maybe this draft started out as, but it didn't end up being as it jumps around in time too much. Personally I think this would be a great structure to go with, focusing on the Live Aid week, of course -- there are a number of events happening there, the beginning of his serious relationship with Jim, moving in to Garden Lodge, the aftermath of the Mr Bad Guy release and the South Africa gig, and the culmination of their bickering. As far as an arc, they were friendly again by the time the gig finished, and revitalized, you get to see how revered Freddie was by his famous peers, and perhaps you can even show the entirety of the true performance -- if the rights can be managed.
While maybe it leaves out some of the more notable fun anecdotes, it does give us a good portrait of him professionally and personally, without having to cram absolutely everything in about his history.
[QUOTE][QUOTENAME]Under Pressure wrote: [/QUOTENAME][QUOTE][QUOTENAME]Donna13 wrote: [/QUOTENAME]
Anyway, I think there are so many "little stories" about Freddie's life, that any number of stories could be told in different movies. I suppose all the possible ideas would have to be narrowed down quite a bit for any 2-hour movie.
Thanks, UP. Please keep us updated on what you hear, if it is safe to do so.[/QUOTE]
Thanks for the response Donna ... I'm trying to figure out exactly what the production status is at the time. Due to the clout of Mr. Cunningham I wouldn't be surprised if it were in some stage of pre-production. I would be tempted to work on a draft if I knew his was dead in the water.
Originally when the project was announced, it seemed as it would be structured as "a week in the life of" -- which maybe this draft started out as, but it didn't end up being as it jumps around in time too much. Personally I think this would be a great structure to go with, focusing on the Live Aid week, of course -- there are a number of events happening there, the beginning of his serious relationship with Jim, moving in to Garden Lodge, the aftermath of the Mr Bad Guy release and the South Africa gig, and the culmination of their bickering. As far as an arc, they were friendly again by the time the gig finished, and revitalized, you get to see how revered Freddie was by his famous peers, and perhaps you can even show the entirety of the true performance -- if the rights can be managed.
While maybe it leaves out some of the more notable fun anecdotes, it does give us a good portrait of him professionally and personally, without having to cram absolutely everything in about his history.[/QUOTE]
This is very interesting to think about. I agree that would be a good time period to focus on. Maybe that was their best moment for a lot of reasons.
Thanks for all your great comments.
Anyway, I think there are so many "little stories" about Freddie's life, that any number of stories could be told in different movies. I suppose all the possible ideas would have to be narrowed down quite a bit for any 2-hour movie.
Thanks, UP. Please keep us updated on what you hear, if it is safe to do so.[/QUOTE]
Thanks for the response Donna ... I'm trying to figure out exactly what the production status is at the time. Due to the clout of Mr. Cunningham I wouldn't be surprised if it were in some stage of pre-production. I would be tempted to work on a draft if I knew his was dead in the water.
Originally when the project was announced, it seemed as it would be structured as "a week in the life of" -- which maybe this draft started out as, but it didn't end up being as it jumps around in time too much. Personally I think this would be a great structure to go with, focusing on the Live Aid week, of course -- there are a number of events happening there, the beginning of his serious relationship with Jim, moving in to Garden Lodge, the aftermath of the Mr Bad Guy release and the South Africa gig, and the culmination of their bickering. As far as an arc, they were friendly again by the time the gig finished, and revitalized, you get to see how revered Freddie was by his famous peers, and perhaps you can even show the entirety of the true performance -- if the rights can be managed.
While maybe it leaves out some of the more notable fun anecdotes, it does give us a good portrait of him professionally and personally, without having to cram absolutely everything in about his history.[/QUOTE]
This is very interesting to think about. I agree that would be a good time period to focus on. Maybe that was their best moment for a lot of reasons.
Thanks for all your great comments.
I enjoyed reading your insight, UP. The week of Live Aid would serve as a wonderful setting for the film, but I wouldn't let it be limited to that week, of course. It would be fitting for the story to at least end with Freddie Mercury's death, and to let the audience understand his long and dreadful death. I mean, the movie starts out with this man at the top of his profession, and slowly we witness him deteriorating (all along the way witnessing him improving as a musician, of course, ex. Barcelona). Of course, the movie would then need at least one flashback to the early eighties so the audience will understand how he might have caught the disease -- through heavy partying and drugs, a man of his time.
This movie has a great deal of potential. I hope that you're given the oppurtunity to write your own draft, and present it to whoever is in charge.
This movie has a great deal of potential. I hope that you're given the oppurtunity to write your own draft, and present it to whoever is in charge.
I imagine you are right on about this, however, it is certainly not true, in my case. I would welcome such a scene, as long as it fits with the film, and, is not the focus of the entire film. To be honest, I am not so partial to full on sex scenes in ANY sort of film...however, do manage to suffer through them, as long as they are a part of the story.
[QUOTE][QUOTENAME]Daniel Nester wrote: [/QUOTENAME]Here's my opinion:
One man-on-man sex act--from a kiss on up to full-on love-making--of an actor playing Freddie on this film or any other one and it instantly becomes, for many die-hard Queen fans at least, a film that focuses too much on his Freddie's gayness.
It's as if some fans take Freddie's desire to be closeted or indeterminate in his sexuality in the public eye to also include our reception and representation of him to other people.
That's a bit of a stretch, for my taste.
[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE][QUOTENAME]Daniel Nester wrote: [/QUOTENAME]Here's my opinion:
One man-on-man sex act--from a kiss on up to full-on love-making--of an actor playing Freddie on this film or any other one and it instantly becomes, for many die-hard Queen fans at least, a film that focuses too much on his Freddie's gayness.
It's as if some fans take Freddie's desire to be closeted or indeterminate in his sexuality in the public eye to also include our reception and representation of him to other people.
That's a bit of a stretch, for my taste.
[/QUOTE]
My guess is a screenwriter who wants to have a gay sex scene in a movie will write, like, 20 of them in the hopes that at least one will stay. If there's just one, any producer worth his or her weight will find a way to cut it.
Then again, lots of straight guys and gals might not mind watching Johnny Depp kiss a guy. It might, however, be a shock to see him do it with prosthetic buck teeth.
Then again, lots of straight guys and gals might not mind watching Johnny Depp kiss a guy. It might, however, be a shock to see him do it with prosthetic buck teeth.
[QUOTE][QUOTENAME]Daniel Nester wrote: [/QUOTENAME]My guess is a screenwriter who wants to have a gay sex scene in a movie will write, like, 20 of them in the hopes that at least one will stay. If there's just one, any producer worth his or her weight will find a way to cut it.
Then again, lots of straight guys and gals might not mind watching Johnny Depp kiss a guy. It might, however, be a shock to see him do it with prosthetic buck teeth.[/QUOTE]
I don't need to see any kissing at all! Did you see the scene in Chocolat when he was dancing with Juliette B. down at that river rat party? The way he looked at her. Gosh, if it had been me dancing with him at that moment in that scene, I think I would have been in danger of fainting - or knees becoming weak or something.
But, anyway, as Freddie, yes he would have to be completely Freddie. I don't know of any other actor that could probably pull it off. Of course, Johnny Depp is amazing.
But also, look what Colin Firth can do when no kissing is involved. In fact, he does so much with just his facial expressions that no dialogue is needed for some of his scenes.
I think I am agreeing with some others here - that you really don't need anything physically "intimate" to happen on screen to have a huge impact and understanding.
It would be great if a lot of things could be communicated without the graphic stuff (in any movie; not just this one). Then, if Freddie's mother is still alive (hope so), she can also enjoy the movie as an artistic achievement (not a gratuitous, possibly embarrassing display of "acting"). Ha.
Then again, lots of straight guys and gals might not mind watching Johnny Depp kiss a guy. It might, however, be a shock to see him do it with prosthetic buck teeth.[/QUOTE]
I don't need to see any kissing at all! Did you see the scene in Chocolat when he was dancing with Juliette B. down at that river rat party? The way he looked at her. Gosh, if it had been me dancing with him at that moment in that scene, I think I would have been in danger of fainting - or knees becoming weak or something.
But, anyway, as Freddie, yes he would have to be completely Freddie. I don't know of any other actor that could probably pull it off. Of course, Johnny Depp is amazing.
But also, look what Colin Firth can do when no kissing is involved. In fact, he does so much with just his facial expressions that no dialogue is needed for some of his scenes.
I think I am agreeing with some others here - that you really don't need anything physically "intimate" to happen on screen to have a huge impact and understanding.
It would be great if a lot of things could be communicated without the graphic stuff (in any movie; not just this one). Then, if Freddie's mother is still alive (hope so), she can also enjoy the movie as an artistic achievement (not a gratuitous, possibly embarrassing display of "acting"). Ha.
[QUOTE][QUOTENAME]Daniel Nester wrote: [/QUOTENAME]My guess is a screenwriter who wants to have a gay sex scene in a movie will write, like, 20 of them in the hopes that at least one will stay. If there's just one, any producer worth his or her weight will find a way to cut it. [/QUOTE]
Not the case at all.
Not the case at all.