REVIEW: BACK TO BLACK

3.5/5 

Always In Love With Amy

122 Mins. Starring: Marisa Abela, Jack O'Connell, Eddie Marsan & Lesley Manville. Screenplay: Matt Greenhalgh. Director: Sam Taylor-Johnson. In: Theatres.

Yes, yes, yes. Going 'Back To Black', one of the better biopics of recent memory, does justice to 'Amy, Amy, Amy'. The 'Rehab' ("no, no, no") sensational singer/songwriter we lost an unlucky and unbelievable thirteen years ago. To be 'Frank', 2023 Screen International 'Star Of Tomorrow' Marisa Abela (BBC Two and HBO's Industry' and Sky One's 'COBRA'), really is one and the amazing Amy in this movie that sits next to 'Judy' and the Aretha Franklin biopic with real 'Respect'. All before anything but 'A Complete Unknown', Timothée Chalamet, goes electric and eclectic for his forthcoming Dylan film. The Royal Academy Of Dramatic Art alumni ('She Is Love') may not be a household name yet, but the Teen Talk 'Barbie' will be. Neither was Amy. Until the cover of her dynamic debut 'Frank' was plastered all over the sides of red London double-decker buses, much to the pride of her passing cabbie driving father. Lovingly played by the becoming legendary character actor Eddie Marsan. The bridge between the likes of Timothy Spall and Stephen Graham.

Sharing a voice, heritage and beautiful beehive with Amy, Abela is more than able to play the throwback talent of Winehouse, whose style aged like a fine wine in the cellars of real smoky soul from bars and concert halls of the past. Marisa manages to pay homage and respect to her muse, all whilst showing her own style and grace. This is no impersonation. It's impressive impressionism in this artful take on a young star, faded too soon, who knew the real writers and artists lay in the hard-worn margins and canvases of the past. Expect Marisa Abela to be a name you see in big budget blockbusters of the future like Cailee Spaeny ('Alien: Romulus', 'Civil War') after Sofia Coppola's 'Priscilla'. Although Abela won't sell out for the industry money, just like Amy who only wanted to sing for those who could forget their troubles for a few minutes. Her impact on the world was just that profound, as 'Back To Black' and the classics like the title-track, 'Rehab', 'Love Is A Losing Game', 'Tears Dry On Their Own' (all performed with power here) and 'You Know I'm No Good' (and that classic Ghostface remix that killed it), not to mention Mark Ronson's 'Valerie', made sure this modern's icon's legend never would. Or will for that matter.

Hounded by the same paparazzi that drove Princess Diana to an early grave, Amy managed to overcome it all on her own. Drugs and drink. Depression, divorce and death. All before a tragic relapse after some truly terrible life turns took her young life after a long period of sobriety. The papers would print it different, but Winehouse was winning after playing the whole 'Love Is A Losing Game' hand that life cruelly deals to some of us. The kind of fickle fate those enamoured in bliss could never quite understand, and we would never wish it on. Burning from misery. Yearning for family. Above her heart, Amy had Blake's name inked in her skin and stitched into a pocket. And credit this controversial and complicated movie about an even more conflicted love story for not painting Winehouse's love like a villain for Hollywood storytelling. Amy wouldn't have wanted that. And great Brit actor Jack O'Connell ('Starred Up', 'Unbroken') gives us one of his most powerful performances since he took Tennessee Williams' 'Cat On A Hot Tin Roof' to the West End with Sienna Miller. After his charming jukebox and pool pub introduction, you'll go through every level of emotion with him. And that's when you'll begin to realize all about what Amy went through.

Some say this biopic from the John Lennon 'Nowhere Boy' before he was famous, biopic director Sam Taylor-Johnson ('Fifty Shades Of Grey') is too safely sanitized. Yet they say that about all biopics of this brutal and beautiful nature, just like the wonderful 'Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance With Somebody'. But this film only ever holds back out of respect, like most biographs of its type, something the newspapers could learn from. But right now they're taking it to Sam for her love with Aaron Taylor-Johnson. There are a lot of complications in this life, that we can't fully understand unless we're the people involved, but serious scriptwriter Matt Greenhalgh ('Control', 'Film Stars Don't Die In Liverpool') tries to make sense of a stirring and sometimes sensationalized life story. Amy was a queen like Abela can become, and it takes one to know one like a sister act. As 'The Crown's' Princess Margaret, Lesley Manville steals the show, like she did in channelling fellow greats Vanessa Kirby and Helena Bonham Carter for the hit Netflix Royal Family show for all you couch potatoes. As beautiful as scoring Nick Cave's 'Song For Amy', this outstanding ode ends on the high of a Grammy win, where the pure and innocent disbelief in Amy's eyes are captured perfectly. A moment, as she falls into her band member's embrace, that will live forever.  Just like those songs that will always help us forget all our troubles. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'A Complete Unknown', 'Judy', 'Priscilla'.