Known for her iconic looks and unique talents, Amy Winehouse’s fame had reached unimaginable levels by the time she died of alcohol poisoning in 2011. She was 27 years old at the time.
The London-based artist, whose songs include “Rehab” and “Tears Dry On Their Own,” has battled drug addiction and bulimia throughout her music career.
Now, with Sam Taylor-Johnson at the helm, her life and love of music is being made into her own film, Back to Black.
The director, who lives in the same neighborhood as the iconic singer, said she wanted to make sure the film came from Winehouse’s view.
Sam Taylor-Johnson wanted to show Winehouse’s point of view. Image: StudioCanal
She and screenwriter Matt Greenhalgh used the late artist’s diaries, songs and writings to create the biopic in her own words.
“It felt like the best way to get her voice back to some extent,” she told Sky News at the world premiere of Back to Black in London.
Marissa Abela plays Amy Winehouse in biopic. The 27-year-old British actress said she felt Amy’s “life has been shattered and it’s hard to feel anything other than this tragedy”.
Marisa Abela says Amy Winehouse’s legacy ‘is one of authenticity’ Picture: StudioCanal
She said it was important to her, the cast and crew that the film showcased the London-based artist’s talent.
“Her legacy is one of authenticity and inner fulfillment. She embodied her feelings, she wore them on her sleeve, but not everyone can do that like she did.”
The film depicts the singer-songwriter being constantly hounded by paparazzi.
The late singer’s ex-husband Blake Fielder-Civil is played by This Is England actor Jack O’Connell.
Amy’s ex-husband Blake Fielder-Civil is played by Jack O’Connell Photo: StudioCanal
He said he wanted to make sure there was “a lot of depth” to the portrayal of Winehouse’s former partner, who is often linked to the musician’s more brutal stories in the tabloids.
“It’s definitely a character of his,” the actor explained.
He said: “As far as the success she’s had, when you have the paparazzi [her addiction], it’s such a bad recipe, it’s heartbreaking… it’s definitely the villain of the movie. “
Jack O’Connell says addiction is ‘always there’ Photo: StudioCanal
“Back to Black” doesn’t shy away from the couple’s drug addiction, which O’Connell calls “absolutely evil throughout.”
“Carefree” actor Eddie Marsan, who played Mickey Winehouse in the film, said her death was a “collective trauma” for the world, but for her father it was a loss a daughter.
“The film has the courage to show that the main villain of this piece is addiction,” he told Sky News.
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Eddie Marsan plays Winehouse’s father Photo: StudioCanal
Marsan added that for celebrities like Amy Winehouse who are struggling with sobriety, certain safeguards should be in place at the time.
“Rehab programs are called Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous for a reason, because you need anonymity and privacy to deal with your addiction. And Amy never got that.
“She was hounded by her drug addiction. So that made it doubly difficult for her and 100 times more difficult to write to her family. But they intervened nine times and still couldn’t save her.”
Amy Winehouse’s music spread beyond the UK. In 2008, she won five Grammy Awards including Best New Artist, Song of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Album.
Back To Black will be released in cinemas on Friday 12 April.
Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can contact Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org in the UK. In the United States, call your local Samaritans chapter or 1 (800) 273-TALK
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