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Critical Biopic Review

Rock and roll legends are frequently the subject of Hollywood biopics that highlight both the music and the tumultuous lives of the people who made it. For the most part, however, these films take liberties with the truth in order to craft a certain narrative or present their subject in a certain light. For this assignment you are going to watch a musical biopic, do a bit of research to determine what the film got right and wrong about the artist or band, and write a two-page, double-spaced essay about it.

For the purpose of this assignment, you must choose a biopic, not a documentary or a concert film.

You may choose any musical biopic whose subject falls under the broad category of rock music. If you are uncertain about your choice, please ask your instructor. The following list may offer some guidance, but it will be the responsibility of the student to find a copy of their chosen film for viewing.

Great Balls of Fire, 1989 (Jerry Lee Lewis)

Jimi: All Is By My Side, 2014 (Jimi Hendrix)

The Runaways, 2010 (The Runaways)

Respect, 2021 (Aretha Franklin)

Bohemian Rhapsody, 2018 (Queen)

The Buddy Holly Story, 1978 (Buddy Holly)

I’m Not There, 2007 (Bob Dylan)

Get On Up, 2014 (James Brown)

The Doors, 1991 (The Doors)

Ray, 2004 (Ray Charles)

Walk the Line, 2005 (Johnny Cash)

The Dirt, 2019 (Motley Crue)

What We Do Is Secret, 2007 (Darby Crash/The Germs)

Control, 2007 (Joy Division)
Rocketman, 2019 (Elton John)
Love & Mercy (Brian Wilson)
Blaze, 2018 (Blaze Foley)
Stoned, 2005 (Brian Jones)
La Bamba, 1987 (Ritchie Valens)
Nowhere Boy, 2009 (John Lennon)
Bound For Glory, 1976 (Woodie Guthrie)
24 Hour Party People, 2002 (Manchester scene)
I Saw the Light, 2015 (Hank Williams)
Stardust, 2020 (David Bowie)
Lords of Chaos, 2018 (Norwegian Black Metal)
What’s Love Got To Do With It, 1993 (Tina Turner)