Tortured genius, chaotic addict or frustrated homemaker? As Sam Taylor-Johnson’s biopic hits cinemas, we look at how its depiction compares with previous accounts of the singer’s life
From the moment it was announced, in July 2022, the Amy Winehouse biopic Back to Black has been plagued by controversy, with fans criticising everything from the casting choices (Industry star Marisa Abela plays the singer) to the timing, with some people claiming not enough years have passed since Winehouse’s death from alcohol poisoning in 2011.
Biopics of famous musicians can be hugely lucrative but they’re also a minefield. Bohemian Rhapsody, the 2018 Freddie Mercury biopic, was widely criticised for downplaying the singer’s gay partners in favour of his relationship with Mary Austin, but ended up grossing $910m (£718m). Like Bohemian Rhapsody, Back to Black is authorised by and made with the involvement of the lead character’s estate.
