English singer-songwriter Amy Winehouse is without a doubt one of the many stars of jazz, blues, soul and R&B music. Though her life was short lived, film director Sam Taylor-Johnson brings her narrative back to life in her new biopic, Back to Black. Viewers get a glimpse into Winehouse’s tumultuous yet inspiring journey releasing her hit album Back to Black.
Winehouse’s life was riddled with hardships like substance abuse, heartbreak, family sickness and an eating disorder. Nonetheless, she turned her tragedies into one of the most profound R&B albums ever with smash hits like “Rehab”, “Tears Dry Own Their Own” and of course, “Back to Black”. Her work paid off when she won five awards at the 2008 Grammys.
Actress Marisa Abela, who also appeared in Greta Gerwig’s Barbie, gives a raw performance of Winehouse’s unique vocal talent. Jack O’Connell stars alongside Abela as Winehouse’s on and off again lover and husband Blake, with actors Eddie Marsan and Lesley Manville in the mix too.
Back to Black marks Taylor-Johnson’s fourth time directing a film. Her previous films include Nowhere Boy, a biopic on John Lennon and Fifty Shades of Grey. According to GQ, Taylor-Johnson used Winehouse’s actual clothes and jewelry as costuming, encapsulating Winehouse’s distinct 60’s style.
“Everything that she [Amy Winehouse] had achieved was being eclipsed by the tragedy of how her life ended,” Taylor-Johnson said to The Hollywood Reporter. “… I wanted to take her to a place where she had her agency back”.
Focus Features announced that Back to Black will premiere in U.S. theaters May 17th.
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