Biopics are booming these days. After Bohemian Rhapsody (2018) about Queen, Rocketman (2019) about Elton John, or more recently Elvis out now, a new biopic on Amy Winehouse will come to light. Even though the release date is still unknown, this feature film entitled Back to Black produced by Studiocanal and approved by the singer’s close family, will be directed by Fifty Shades of Grey (2015) director Sam Taylor-Johnson according to Variety. The script has been written by the British Matt Greenhalgh, a regular regarding rock stars. He has already collaborated on the films Control (2007) about the tumultuous story of Ian Curtis, leader of the music band Joy Division, and Nowhere Boy (2009), which traces back the early years of John Lennon, one of the famous Beatles.
Since her death at the age of 27 in 2011, many tried to transpose the singer’s life on the big screen with quite ambitious projects that eventually never came out. Conversely, some documentaries were released, like the exceptional Amy (2015) directed by the British Asif Kapadia, who won the Oscar for Best Documentary Feature in 2016. This dive into the life and family of the British singer explores her weaknesses and the dark side of stardom. Despite her tragical death at the age of 27, Amy Winehouse’s eventful life and tumultuous personality offer dense material for this new biopic that will mainly focus on the musician’s talent. However, no names have been released regarding the cast for the leading role yet. Rumor has it that either superstar Lady Gaga, or Fifth Harmony former member Lauren Jauregui, or actress and singer Lea Michele, could get the role. To be continued…
Back to Black directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson and produced by Studiocanal. No release date announced as of today.
