Written by Ananya Panchal. Graphic by Ananya Panchal.
Are we allowed to tell someone else’s story? Biopics have taken over Hollywood, and the latest rage is Sam Mendez’s four-part Beatles biopic. The movie(s) are said to be the first “bingeable” theatrical experience; there will be a movie for each Beatles member. John Lennon is to be played by Harris Dickinson, Paul McCartney by Paul Mescal, George Harrison by Joseph Quinn and Ringo Starr by Barry Keoghan. Both the casting and the concept have caused a rage.
I’m seeing a recurring pattern of movies starting controversies before they even get the opportunity to wrap up filming. We see this with outrage following first looks at the live-action Snow white movie and Emerald Fennell’s adaptation of 19th-century classic Wuthering Heights. As soon as behind-the-scenes photos were revealed for both films – historical accuracy, costumes and casting choices were criticized, affecting the perception of the movie before it ever got the chance to make it to the big screen. In the overly critical world we live in today, would any biopic satisfy fans?
We love to tell the stories of past famed celebrities – but the Beatles are sacred territory bound to start a fire. The first point of discourse revolves around the race of the actors chosen. Two of the four leading men- Paul Mescal and Barry Keoghan are Irish. In comparison, their corresponding Beatles members were from Liverpool. Some fans believe that their differing race will affect their ability to effectively portray their members. In fact, Lennon’s half-sister, Julia Baird, expresses disappointment with this aspect of casting, explaining that their Liverpool identity was a big part of the member’s lives and music.
Hardcore fans even express that the chosen actors are far too conventionally attractive to express the cooky unconventional Beatles charm – with criticisms expressing that Mendez’s version of their story is like a “what if the Beatles have six pack abs” re-imagination.
Moreover, a lot of skepticism revolves around the insanely ambitious four-movie release. Mendez’s vision is to have all movies screened over the span of a month – no definitive plan has been revealed, but this is certainly not a traditional release plan. Studio chief at Sony, Tom Rothman, comments on Mendez’s four-movie-saga-vision; “you have to match the boldness of the idea with a bold release strategy”. It will be a miracle to get this project to have a friction-free release – just by the nature of the concept.
Despite all the discourse, I am waiting impatiently for these new biopics. The release straetdgy is bold but exciting – some feel that the 8 hour long theatrical “bingeing” experience that Mendez’s wants to offer is tedious, but I think it is an interesting angle to explore. One that challenges the bingeing culture we’ve grown all too familiar with – and our shrinking attention span.
As for the backlash on the casting choices – it is part of the leading men’s job description to morph into their characters and fool the audiences into believing their identities. I say that we give Sam Mendez a chance, trust creativity when we see it, and allow ourselves to be surprised – whether it be for better or for worse.
