Farrokh Bulsara (Rami Malek) is working at the airport as a baggage handler when one of his co-workers call him a Paki (Pakistani). It is 1970 and he has big dreams. Over his family's objections, he goes out that night to see a band, Smile. As luck would have it, Smile's lead singer leaves and Farrokh - who goes by Freddie - jumps at the opportunity. Also that night, he met Mary Austin (Lucy Boynton), the inspiration for the song Love of My Life. Shortly after joining Smile as lead singer, the band name is changed to Queen, Freddie switched from Bulsara to Mercury, and the hits start coming.
The movie is basically a history of the band from 1970 until about 1985, focusing primarily on Freddie. There are some origin stories for the various hits, most notably Bohemian Rhapsody. It plays as a greatest hits album with story. Queen did the score for a couple of movies and now for their own biopic. Cool. The inclusion of Mike Myers (aka Wayne of Wayne's World) as a music executive who doubts the merits of Bohemian Rhapsody was great.
Here is a movie that is about the rise of Queen and also the tragic life of Freddie. I don't know how accurate a portrayal of Freddie this is. When onstage or working on music with the band, he was aggressive and controlling. Away from music and the band, he came off as somewhat shy and uncertain. An interesting contrast. He also is seen as easily manipulated into becoming a meal ticket for the unscrupulous.
Fun movie, mostly for the music. A must if you are a fan of Queen.
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