QueenZone discussion #1242684
Official: Sacha Baron Cohen is Freddie Mercury in the Movie
| parchedpea 16.09.2010 18:15 |
Aieeee! It's Ali G innit. And it'd been greenlit with Peter Morgan scriptwriting and official music from the band. Great news. Shame no Johnny Depp but Cohen certainly has the look of Fred. |
| parchedpea 16.09.2010 18:20 |
Oh and before you all start, have a read here: link and in the UK press tomorrow. It's happening kids! |
| rhyeking 16.09.2010 18:28 |
As noted in the other Forum: If true, there's nothing yet on imdb.com about it yet. I'll remain skeptical until I hear something more official. Artists, directors, writers and producers get "announced" attached to projects all the time, a good many either fall-through, change personnel or were total fiction to begin with. I guess we just wait and see. |
| Marknow 16.09.2010 18:38 |
I really hope Cohen is not involved in this. He's a talent less C*** Never have, and never will, pay money to see him. |
| paulosham 16.09.2010 20:22 |
I think he could do a great job |
| Marknow 16.09.2010 22:21 |
Confirmed on Brian May.com link |
| Vali 17.09.2010 02:15 |
wow ! if the band is involved in the production .. I'm in. I want to believe nor Brian, Roger or Freddie's state would allow this movie to be portraying Freddie in a wrong way.... As for Sacha Baron .... hummmm ..... for the moment, he's got my vote ! |
| pittrek 17.09.2010 02:20 |
Luke Skywalker said: Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo |
| Kniggit 17.09.2010 02:33 |
Haha pittrek |
| cmsdrums 17.09.2010 03:46 |
Yes, he resembles him facially, but Baron Cohen is something like 6'3", and Freddie was 5'9". To get their respective heights right, they'll have to get the jolly green giant to play Brian!!! |
| cmsdrums 17.09.2010 03:51 |
In addition, it seems from the press release that the film will only cover the period up to Live Aid. Seems strange to make a film about Freddie without covering his death, and without possibly their biggest ever tour and final show in 1986?? ps - message to the moderators; any chance that all the 'Freddie Movie' threads could be pulled together in one place? |
| Michael Allred 17.09.2010 04:12 |
cmsdrums wrote: In addition, it seems from the press release that the film will only cover the period up to Live Aid. Seems strange to make a film about Freddie without covering his death, and without possibly their biggest ever tour and final show in 1986?? ps - message to the moderators; any chance that all the 'Freddie Movie' threads could be pulled together in one place? I'm VERY happy they are going this route unlike all the other boring biopics (rise/fall/rise/die) we've seen recently. I mean really, would you rather have a movie end on a sad, somber note with Freddie dying in bed or Live Aid with Freddie, alive and on top of the world rocking away? Now that's a great way to send people out of the theater, feeling positive and happy. Besides, I'm sure there will be some text at the end......"even though Freddie died of AIDS at the age of 45..." or whatever. |
| Benn 17.09.2010 04:35 |
This is, like the *proposed* Keith Moon bio-pic that Roger Daltrey has been trying to get off the ground, a disaster waiting to happen. The film will not attract audiences unless it concentrates on the hedonistic. The fact that Freddie has a superb voice and was the most dynamic front-man of all time won't be a concern to the casual film-goer. |
| Marknow 17.09.2010 04:48 |
Some video from Brian on BBC. link |
| david (galashiels) 17.09.2010 05:11 |
tell me this a joke?. he is the second unfunnyest man going,cant act and is a complete tosser. only ricky gervas is less funny than him. the guy could never pull being freddie,,christ he cant even be himself. whatever happened to robert downie junior,he seemed the best choice for the roll. |
| Dane 17.09.2010 05:15 |
The flow of the film imho should be as follows; Complete story set in mid to late 1991 and focusing on Fred and Queen recording songs in Montreux and Freddie at home. The story should use about 4 flashbacks (15mins each) tied into the story of some pivotal points in Freddie's career. First scene is Freddie backstage at Knebworth showing him being very aware of it probably being his last live performance. (or did he get the bad news in '87?) Last scene should be Freddie and the guys getting their first chance to record in the studio (Larry Lurex or De Lane Lea, latter would be better) ending with Brian starting the guitar riff which gets the credits rolling... Would be a worthy storyline. |
| Queenman!! 17.09.2010 05:20 |
Let's give Sasha a chance guys. He can certainly act like a gay as Bruno....... jokin' :-) I would not know another who lokes more like freddie than him. Mika can't act. |
| Vali 17.09.2010 07:03 |
cmsdrums wrote: Yes, he resembles him facially, but Baron Cohen is something like 6'3", and Freddie was 5'9". To get their respective heights right, they'll have to get the jolly green giant to play Brian!!! ///////////////// I'm sure there are many ways of solving this issue in actual filmmaking. I mean, nor Elijah Wood nor Sean Astin are hobbit-size in real life. |
| greaserkat 17.09.2010 11:04 |
Vali wrote: wow ! if the band is involved in the production .. I'm in. I want to believe nor Brian, Roger or Freddie's state would allow this movie to be portraying Freddie in a wrong way.... As for Sacha Baron .... hummmm ..... for the moment, he's got my vote ! I assume you assume John's estate could care less is Freddie is portrayed in a wrong way?? |
| victor fleitas 17.09.2010 11:14 |
I've watched the brian interview, where he said that cohen is the one... and he didnt seemed very happy about it... for his way of saaying it... maybe he doesnt even like him to do it... who is in charge of selecting the actor who will do freddie anyway? |
| The Real Wizard 17.09.2010 11:33 |
The more they focus on Freddie as a musician and the less they focus on his personal life, the better. But it's Hollywood, and we all know what sells.. |
| NEMO75 17.09.2010 11:40 |
For this time I'm very disapointed about Queen's members. I think it is not time yet to make a movie, maybe in ten years. (just time enough to find someone else...;+))) and the script ? nothing about it on the web. Now, with a green screen they can do everything that they want so... |
| flash00. 17.09.2010 12:08 |
Sacha Baron Cohen is far to tall 6ft3 giraffe lol i agree with others i.e they will need an 8ft Brian May haa not my 1st,2nd,3rd,4th,5th or any choice sorry mate nothing personal. Strange they never included the huge magic tour etc.. |
| greaserkat 17.09.2010 12:30 |
All I want to know is what Deacy has to say about this. I'm pretty sure he'll comment soon. |
| MmP 17.09.2010 13:46 |
C-paste from another thread Being a movie maker like I am, Im really curious on how they're gonna make this work out. Freddie's life has so many dramatical options to make a great amazing film from the script trough the image design. Man I really can't wait. |
| The Real Wizard 17.09.2010 13:51 |
I'm actually glad they'll be ending the film on a high note with Live Aid. There's no need to even mention his health. Everyone knows he died. Sure, the Magic tour was huge, but their / his grandest moment was Live Aid. Billions of people watched it on TV in 1985, and now this generation of young viewers will experience it as well. With an actor like Sacha Baron Cohen doing the role, this is probably the best publicity Freddie Mercury could ever get today. I think this is a very good thing. |
| MercuryArts 17.09.2010 14:07 |
cmsdrums wrote: Yes, he resembles him facially, but Baron Cohen is something like 6'3", and Freddie was 5'9". To get their respective heights right, they'll have to get the jolly green giant to play Brian!!! I was thnking exactly the same thing,CMS. He's taller than Brian. |
| paulosham 17.09.2010 14:41 |
I doesn't matter how tall he is, it's a film and that kind of thing is easily worked around. link |
| Rick 17.09.2010 16:18 |
A film? And when exactly will we finally see some unreleased Queen material? |
| GratefulFan 17.09.2010 16:22 |
Sir GH wrote: I'm actually glad they'll be ending the film on a high note with Live Aid. There's no need to even mention his health. Everyone knows he died. Sure, the Magic tour was huge, but their / his grandest moment was Live Aid. Billions of people watched it on TV in 1985, and now this generation of young viewers will experience it as well. With an actor like Sacha Baron Cohen doing the role, this is probably the best publicity Freddie Mercury could ever get today. I think this is a very good thing. =========================================== It still feels a bit off to sidestep his fate completelty, but at the same time I understand the reasoning. It probably wouldn't have been possible to do all 20 years justice in a couple of hours, so there were choices to make for sure. I think the best of both worlds might have been ending in 1986 at Knebworth, triumphant and joyful, but with a subtly commuicated sense that an era had ended and that the future was just around the corner. Could have been powerful and poignant if done right. Live Aid wasn't the end of anything really. It was huge and wonderful, but it still feels arbitrary as an ending point. I guess there is story construction to worry about though, and transitioning between what is essentially a climax in Live Aid into a final segment might have been deemed undesirable. And with dramatic license a lot could be moved around in time anyway I suppose. My biggest dissapointment would be to see the current pervasive 'Greatest Hits' mentality in cinematic form. I hope to learn something I don't already know. |
| The Real Wizard 17.09.2010 16:22 |
Rick wrote:
And when exactly will we finally see some unreleased Queen material?Never. Because when it's released, it won't be unreleased anymore :P |
| GratefulFan 17.09.2010 16:37 |
Sir GH wrote: Rick wrote: And when exactly will we finally see some unreleased Queen material? Never. Because when it's released, it won't be unreleased anymore :P ======================== Could somebody in TO please arrange to have Sir GH punched? Nothing too mean. Maybe just light, in the upper arm like a punchbuggy thing. This kind of pedantry demands a swift and sure response. :P |
| david (galashiels) 17.09.2010 17:00 |
seen this film tonight and the close up is really like fred.........wonder if he can sing?. link |
| Marknow 17.09.2010 17:03 |
I think there is a strong possibility for a sequel, to fill in the later years, should the first movie be a success . Not saying that's the plan, just a theory, but it leaves the door conveniently open. |
| GratefulFan 17.09.2010 17:16 |
Marknow wrote: I think there is a strong possibility for a sequel, to fill in the later years, should the first movie be a success . Not saying that's the plan, just a theory, but it leaves the door conveniently open. ====================== I had that thought too. May just be wishful thinking, but the Magic Tour would be a good jumping off point for that... |
| Micrówave 17.09.2010 17:31 |
Uh, there's not gonna be a sequel. It ends very badly, I'm afraid. |
| Marknow 17.09.2010 17:41 |
That's the point we're making, IF the first movie ends circa 1985, then we won't get to see the END of the story, hence the POSSIBILITY of a sequel, should it prove commercially viable through the success of the first movie. |
| Fur 17.09.2010 17:49 |
Christopher Ecclestone played John Lennon in a recent BBC drama and there is a similar height discontinuity between the two...but it worked ok. |
| delilah5 17.09.2010 21:23 |
Did anybody knows about Freddie private life? How many Americans knows about Wembley?Does anybody ask Mary about Freddie life? I am positive she knows more than Bryan, Roger, or John!!!!!!!!!!!!!! How it is possible clown can act as Freddie?! And everybody happy! Hey, guys, dont' touch something you don't have any idea! This movie will be farce. And I think Robert D'N knows about it. Please, give respect Freddie. Don't write the books, don't make the movies about him. |
| annem 17.09.2010 23:14 |
I just hope someone is rushing Rufus Taylor into acting classes! And not letting him get a haircut. As for Sascha, he is a brilliant actor. He is not really Bruno, or Borat, or Ali G...all of whom are completely different characters, which he captures and holds on to,even in dangerous adlib situations. This could be great...everyone involved is first class, as Queen always does things. |
| GT 18.09.2010 02:07 |
I'm actually glad they'll be ending the film on a high note with Live Aid. There's no need to even mention his health. Everyone knows he died. Sure, the Magic tour was huge, but their / his grandest moment was Live Aid. Billions of people watched it on TV in 1985, and now this generation of young viewers will experience it as well. With an actor like Sacha Baron Cohen doing the role, this is probably the best publicity Freddie Mercury could ever get today. I think this is a very good thing. I agree with you Sir GH. |
| Bo Rhap 18.09.2010 02:52 |
Wow A second movie after this one,if this one is a success. Freddie will be franchised. They will have sold his soul for rock 'n roll. |
| Projector Freddie 18.09.2010 06:12 |
Oh my god, shut up people. they've been selling his soul for years. Theres been like 14 different compilations released in the band's history. Queen is a business, and that's something that Freddie himself said. If you think a film is "selling him out" just wait until everyone you know is a Queen fan. You won't be hating it then. |
| Arnaldo "Ogre-" Silveira 18.09.2010 09:09 |
Sir GH wrote: Rick wrote: And when exactly will we finally see some unreleased Queen material? Never. Because when it's released, it won't be unreleased anymore :P LOL ROTFL * head explodes * |
| Arnaldo "Ogre-" Silveira 18.09.2010 09:12 |
Marknow wrote: I think there is a strong possibility for a sequel, to fill in the later years, should the first movie be a success . Not saying that's the plan, just a theory, but it leaves the door conveniently open. Spot on. |
| JacquesDaniels 18.09.2010 09:23 |
I would've preferred a mini-series, but I know the big screen is really the Queen way to go, if at all. But it would've been much more interesting if they could've made it into a hollywood-style drama/semi-documentary, kind of in the vein of Oliver Stone's JFK, with maybe a plot of trying to find out what BoRhap is actually all about. =P They could've easily used some archived video footage of Freddie and Queen, maybe even get the remaining Queen members to act their part briefly. Guessing the actual outcome of the supposed movie-to-come, SBC might not be such a bad idea, if they manage to shoot the movie without making him look as tall as he is, and if they use Freddie's voice on the parts where he's supposed to sing. Shouldn't be too hard, if there's enough multitrack live audio material in the vaults. And that's not really much to worry about, if you consider the options. Sacha is not a bad actor at all, really, it's just a matter of opinion about his characters. As for Peter Morgan; I've seen a few of his films and I have high enough expectations. But I'm trying, Ringo... trying real hard not to be too optimistic about it. |
| Vali 18.09.2010 12:18 |
delilah5 wrote: Bryan //////////////////////////////////// ... Adams ? |
| john bodega 18.09.2010 12:23 |
Making it an AIDS movie wouldn't be totally necessary, in the sense that you can always rent something like Philadelphia. I can't help but feel that some people will feel that part of his life is being swept under the rug if they don't deal with it in some way. Ah well. One cannot please everyone. I just hope it's better than Walk the Line. |
| greaserkat 18.09.2010 13:12 |
What song should be played at the end of the movie leading into the credits?? I would say "Princes of the Universe" |
| Pim Derks 18.09.2010 13:42 |
I have to say I'm really looking forward to this. With a good script this could be really good. I think it's kind of strange though that the same band who wrote and performed tracks like Scandal are now going to work on a movie about their notoriously private lead-singer. In before Sebastian: I guess Sacha Baron Cohen was Freddy's favorite actor. |
| Amazon 18.09.2010 14:37 |
Zebonka12 wrote: "Making it an AIDS movie wouldn't be totally necessary, in the sense that you can always rent something like Philadelphia. I can't help but feel that some people will feel that part of his life is being swept under the rug if they don't deal with it in some way. Ah well. One cannot please everyone. I just hope it's better than Walk the Line." WTL was completely predictable and extremely disappointing. The fact that I'm not a huge Cash fan didn't help. There was really only one scene which I loved; when Johnny sang the song in the recording studio (which featured the 'just to watch him die' line). |
| queenquell 18.09.2010 14:59 |
So Excited for this it will be brilliant, freddie was and always will be the best and this will be a brilliant chance for todays generation to see just how amazing freddie and the rest of the band were and a chance for Queen fans to enjoy :) |
| Double-U 18.09.2010 15:43 |
Hey folks, I want to say that in my opinion Mr. Cohen is a very good choice. Some of you might seen him as a clown but he's great actor. He must because otherwise there would have been no chnace that so many people didn't manage to see clear that Borat or Brune can't be serious. Okay, you can say there are a lot of foolish people in this world and I agree with you but he's good. For a serious character he did a nice play in Tim Burton's "Sweeny Todd" 3 years ago. So check it out, please! I for myself can't wait to see this and I agree with Bob, that the end at "Live Aid" is a good point to let the viewer go. The last song in the movie? "Keep Yourself Alive"!!!! regards W. |
| john bodega 20.09.2010 02:59 |
I just don't want it to be like one of those musician biopics that are just a vehicle for an actor who fancies themselves as a musician to do a long string of covers. Like I said; Walk the Line. Or that mid 80's TV movie about John Lennon. I didn't care that the guy was a good likeness - I just got sick of hearing whole songs being sung by the guy. He was doing a good job, but I've heard the songs before, by the original artist ... I'd be happy if Freddie barely sings a note through the whole movie, to be totally honest. |
| Regor 20.09.2010 13:25 |
I always liked the idea of comedians stepping into "character" roles, because I think some of them are really great actors. I am excited that SBC got the role and I think he will come off better than most people expect. Event though Johnny Depp would've been great. As for the timeline chosen I think it's great. There's so much dramatic potential, their climb to world-wide fame '74 to '81, Hot Space as the counterpart (even though I like the album), and coming back with Live Aid. Maybe before the end credits there's something like "and then, on August 9th, 1986... " with the triumphant last show at Knebworth covered with some nice special effects... just dreaming... . But anyway, could turn out great, could turn out ridiculous. We will have to wait and see. But the fact that Hollywood DOES have an interest in Queen, with their interesting history in the US after '82 - fantastic! |
| Donna13 20.09.2010 17:04 |
Of course, another option is to make a movie about making the movie, and then don't ever actually release the movie, but only release the movie about the movie. Thus, Brian and Roger could be in the movie about the movie. And the characters would be real. Except maybe for SBC, who realizes that it's a really silly idea to try to play or sing like Freddie (because it cannot be done). |
| cruder 21.09.2010 01:05 |
Well to all the naysayers, SBC is extremely talented in my book and i think he'll do a better Freddie than anyone else i can think of. |
| Double-U 21.09.2010 02:30 |
The HARDtalk interview with Brian May where he tals about the film project will be broadcast on BBC World News on Thursday 23 September and the BBC News Channel on Friday 24 September. I would be great if somebody could record this and share it here in the "Announce" section, please. Thank you very much regards W. |
| Voice of Reason 2018 21.09.2010 08:40 |
Seeing the references to Walk the Line makes me think the Queen movie will start with the Live Aid performance, then tell the story and finish with them backstage getting ready to go on at Live Aid. Am I learning anything about film making? Boo yaka sha! |
| tcc 21.09.2010 08:55 |
We are just speculating of course but my speculation is that the movie would end with Live Aid and the real Freddie Mercury performance at Live Aid would be screened. |
| Fireplace 24.09.2010 10:21 |
Pim Derks wrote: In before Sebastian: I guess Sacha Baron Cohen was Freddy's favorite actor. Well, not really actually. But the screentests with Liza Minelli wearing a moustache made the film crew vomit. |
| Dane 25.11.2010 04:19 |
They should NOT use real footage of Freddie, I hate it when people do this in biopix. Have SBC do the LiveAid bit, or don't put it in. Cohen is one of the most talented actors I know, he becomes the characters he portrayes, doing extensive research on behaviour and looks. Very dedicated. I think Cohen is well aware that this is his big chance to be recognised as a serious actor, so he won't blow it! A good ending would be just to have Fred and the guys run onstage at LiveAid to perform, fade out, "...and the rest is History." Have the credits rolling as the music continues to start BoRhap'85 |
