Freddie Mercury & AIDS: What you didn’t see in Bohemian Rhapsody
Recent blockbuster, Bohemian Rhapsody has received some unbelievably good and bad reviews. Little high, little low, one can say. In today’s article, we’d like to reflect on these claims. The film is about the life of one of the most popular singers worldwide, Freddie Mercury and the story of his band, Queen.
The actor of the main character, Rami Malek has done an extraordinary job — his movements and mimics were just on point. What was missing from the movie, is the soul… Don’t get me wrong, it was interesting to see the background stories of some of the most iconic songs of Queen.
In my opinion, the main problem with the film is that we didn’t really get anything we hadn’t known before. We didn’t get to know Freddie Mercury’s personality. Finding his sexuality, dealing with his drug problems, or disease, AIDS — these things are all just rather referred to than actually pictured. Almost as a shady dark side… The producers could have been braver and more thorough instead of just scratching the surface.
Friends will be friends
It is quite clear that the living members of Queen, Brian May and Roger Taylor were involved in the production of Bohemian Rhapsody. Anyone could easily notice how they are portrayed as the “good guys”. Freddie was partying hard and they just peacefully go home with their wives… Suspicious, isn’t it?
Is this real life, is this just fantasy?
The peak of the plot would definitely be the Live AID concert at the end of the movie. To be honest, they did a fantastic job recreating Queen’s performance from 1985 (which is considered to be the greatest rock show in history!). Even the paper cups on top of the piano were arranged just perfectly. Not to mention those dance moves!
In the movie, Freddie receives his diagnosis of AIDS before the Live AID concert, and tells his bandmates right before the gig. This way, his iconic performance becomes even more dramatic. Some say, this is a huge and unforgivable change of events, and some just enjoy those well-know scenes recreated with the amazing music. Personally, I feel like this one is a somehow understandable dramaturgical decision.
I want to break free
Let’s talk about AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome). Did you know, that when the epidemic broke out, the disease was referred to as Gay Related Immune Deficiency (GRID)? Yes, everyone thought that only homosexual men can catch HIV infection. Since then, it’s clear that it can also be transmitted between heterosexual couples or even blood transfusion. However, back then in the 80s, HIV and AIDS were strongly associated with being gay, and people affected carried a heavy stigma. This stigma still exists, that’s why it’s a shame that Bohemian Rhapsody only mentions the disease very superficially.
To mention a better example of de-stigmatization: United Colors of Benetton used the picture of a gay activist, David Kirby dying from an AIDS-related disease between the loving arms of his family in an advertisement in 1992. Back then, being HIV-positive meant discrimination — from society, and even from the family — that’s why publishing this campaign, connecting AIDS with family was a huge step towards acceptance. If Benetton could do it 26 years ago, why couldn’t the filmmakers of Bohemian Rhapsody do it in 2018?
Show must go on
And why is today special? After many gossips, Freddie Mercury publicly announced that he was suffering from AIDS on 23rd November 1991. The next day he died from bronchopneumonia. What’s for sure is that he will always be remembered.
To honor his memory, we’ve decided to make the special Show Must Go On challenge available for everyone. We, at InSimu, are trying to teach medical students up-to-date diagnostic pathways. Unfortunately, 30 years ago Freddie (and millions of other people) didn’t really stand a chance against this deadly disease. However, today — if diagnosed in time — even though the infection itself can’t be cured, but it can definitely be treated to avoid the severe consequences (like bronchopneumonia). So, for medical experts, diagnosing HIV is still essential. Bohemian Rhapsody missed the chance to raise awareness, but we didn’t! Download InSimu Patient app for free for a unique diagnostic experience!
