WeeklySA_AdminCLOSE-UP: Flick on singing sensation’s rise to fame seeks to unravel the mystery behind the persona…
By Gugu Sibiya
Once described by Sam Taylor-Johnson as “a small bird of a woman with the power of a lioness and the voice that transcends our time”, short-lived young powerhouse Amy Winehouse is the subject of a newly released biopic currently in circuit in Ster-Kinekor cinemas.
Thirteen years ago a young star’s voice was abruptly silenced when she passed away in 2011, leaving a shocked showbiz industry in her wake, devastated aficionados in disbelief, and beautiful music.
She is brought into big-screen life in the movie Back to Black which premiered in Cine Prestige cinemas by Ster-Kinekor at Cradlestone, Cresta and Mall of Africa in Johannesburg, Gateway in Durban, Baywest in Gqeberha and Cavendish in Cape Town on April 12.
The biopic seeks to unravel the mystery that was Amy; the struggles she faced as a young female entering the tough-as-teak entertainment industry, plus the haunting demons she battled alone – far from the glare of the glittering spotlight.
Back to Black celebrates a musician that impacted, in a short space of time, the showbiz industry – and is still so deeply missed. It sheds light on a talent who was able to paint a vivid and vibrant picture of the Camden Streets of London, where she resided.
Even more impressive is how the incredible songstress, through her sheer artistry, was able to capture the struggles of global fame. In an attempt to understand her battles with alcohol and drugs, you can’t help but appreciate her wit and honesty throughout.
Undoubtedly, hers is an unflinching look at a modern celebrity, by a rare breed of talent.
Yet, throughout her existential difficulties, all Amy ever wanted was to share her God-given talent with the world: “I want people to hear my voice, and just forget their troubles for five minutes…”
The stellar crew includes Sam Taylor-Johnson, tasked with directing the epic movie, and Matt Greenhalgh, the scribe who penned the storyline. Leading the pack, Marisa Abela portrays Amy, Eddie Marsan plays Mich, Amy’s dad, while Jack O’ Connell is Blake Fielder-Civil, Amy’s then boyfriend, who later became her ex-husband.
These brilliant actors take the viewers through Amy’s life as a confident teenager from north London to an international super star and music legend in her short life. Her personal life, drowning in alcohol and drug abuse, shaky relationship with Blake, was the stuff tabloids thrive on with their sensational headlines. It wasn’t surprising that paparazzi photographers were always on her tail, especially at her most vulnerable and compromised moments.
Born on September 141983, Amy had a deep love for jazz music which was influenced by her dad who always sang legendary Frank Sinatra’s classics to her. Most of her maternal uncles were professional musicians and her paternal grandmother, Cynthia, was a singer who dated jazz saxophonist Ronnie Scott, and also stoked the jazz fires.
After a couple of courses, Amy started with a rap group called Sweet ‘n’ Sour. She later joined the Bolsha Band while working for World Entertainment News Network as an entertainment journalist. She was soon featured on the National Youth Jazz Orchestra
The tragic ending of the gifted Amy’s amazing career was due to her sloppy handling of it and her bad personal choices. On various prestigious world stages, she’d forget lyrics, walk off stage during a performance and forgetting band members’ names or the city she was performing at.
At first, aficionados were forgiving to an extent of stepping in and singing for her. After a number of flops, the crowds lost it, booing her off stage, coupled with lots of bad press. Amy also pulled out of her European tour that kicked off.
After lying low for weeks, her last public appearance was when she surfaced at Camden’s Roundhouse to support her God daughter, Dionne Bronfield. They even sang Mama Said. Three days later she was dead.
Her last recording was with American Tony Bennett for his Duets 11 album. It was released on September 20 2011. A single from their Body and Soul offering, was released on MTV and VH1 on September 14 2011 to commemorate what would have been her 28th birthday.
