A new movie dramatizes the life and music of the charismatic British singer whose struggles with drugs and alcohol led to her death at age 27. Director Sam Taylor-Johnson and actress Marisa Abela describe capturing a complex life on film.
Trying to capture a life in film – never mind one as complex as that of Amy Winehouse – can be a challenge. When it comes to biographical films, critics often fire from both sides, calling them exploitative or sanitized. It’s not for the faint-hearted director. But according to Sam Taylor-Johnson, «There’s something about tackling difficult subjects where I just think, come on, let’s go!»
Taylor-Johnson’s film, «Back to Black,» a drama about the life and music of British singer Amy Winehouse, was generating interest well before its U.S. release this week. While Taylor-Johnson was shooting, photos from the set were published, engendering fierce reactions. «Yeah, it was difficult in the early days,» she said, «not because I read anything, because I try not to read anything.»
Doane asked, «But you must have been aware when people were saying, this is ‘revolting’?»
«No, I wasn’t actually. Thanks for letting me know!» Taylor-Johnson laughed. «I make sure everyone on set tells me nothing. Because I can’t make the movie I want to make if I start hearing people’s dissenting voices or opinions.»
«Back to Black» focuses on the making of the album by that name. It chronicles an intensely creative and complicated period for the multi-platinum-selling-artist, who’d wind up producing only two albums before she died from alcohol poisoning at just 27.
Winehouse’s brash charisma, that voice, and her distinct musical style made her a star. She won five Grammys for the album «Back to Black.» But along with her success, the singer’s struggles were well-publicized, including her battle with alcohol and drugs, and the tumultuous relationship with her husband, Blake Fielder-Civil.
