Several months ago, we had a date night and went to watch Mission Impossible Fallout. Before the film started, the preview for the Bohemian Rhapsody movie played. Ever since we have been eagerly awaiting its release. Of course, not wanting to wait, we decided to arrange another date night on the movie’s opening night. In summary, the movie didn’t disappoint.
The story was touching and the music was strong – Really strong. Then again, most Queen songs are anthems and solicit a deep emotional response. It’s almost impossible not to sing along to Bohemian Rhapsody, regardless of how many times you’ve heard it.
I’m sure I wouldn’t be ruining it for anyone if I explained how the story ended up for Freddie Mercury, but it is safe to say that they were respectful to the situation. Throughout the movie, there were enough comedic parts that eased the mounting tension as the inevitable end approached.
Although I can provide my commentary around the movie and how it depicted the music and the band, I wanted to talk about something else that struck me while watching the movie. It doesn’t necessarily have anything to do with the movie, but it made me reflect on a few things. The early 80s were an interesting time. Disco was dying (or dead) and a new style of music was emerging. Being eccentric was kind of the thing to do during this time, and many artists had an androgynous look to them. Even with this, homophobia was still rampant.
At that time, for most artists, being outed as gay was a certain death sentence to their career. Society didn’t seem to be ready to accept such things. When suspicions of Freddie Mercury being gay emerged, the media was relentless to understand what was going on. It seemed to be inconceivable for a lead singer of a successful band to actually be gay. Sure they could look, dress and act
When the public began hearing about this weird disease called AIDS, it was quickly angled as being a ‘gay disease’. As though being gay wasn’t difficult enough, the world was then saying that it would be punishable by death. It was a scary time and it led to even more ignorant thinking and behaviors. This was devastating for the gay community and took years of fighting to gain the respect the community deserves.
Over 30 years later, it would seem that we’ve come so far as a society. For the most part, protections are in place across Canada and the United States, but there is so much to still do.
Recently, we have seen a decline in this support and it would appear that society is moving backward in some respects. The LGBTQ community, specifically the Transgender community is currently under attack in the United States. There is again, an ignorance spreading and we must ask ourselves why there is even a need to fight for basic human rights and dignity.
This is sad and it reminds me of the discrimination that Freddie Mercury and all his LGBTQ brothers and sisters endured 30 years ago (and for decades beforehand).
I hope society can figure out a way to see what is important in life and understand that Love is Love and everyone deserves to have their basic human rights protected.
I really don’t like getting overly political, but this was one thing that was gnawing at me, so to the blog I went.
Now, back to the movie. Go see it. I’m sure you’ll love it!
Would love to hear your comments.
Hugs,
V
This is so true. I watched the movie and really loved it. I’ve always been a big fan of Queen music but never really knew much about the history of the band and Freddie Mercury. Your synopsis about the intolerance is bang on!
Thanks for your comment. I am happy you enjoyed the post!