In the first decade of the 2000s, British singer, Amy Winehouse took the world by storm.
However, her life was a cry for help. The world could see she was in a world of pain.
And, people will have the option to see it all over again.
A biopic based on the late British singer hasn’t been released yet. It’s already controversial. 50 Shades of Grey’s Sam Taylor – Johnson.
The biopic, Back to Black shows the late singer’s rise to fame. There’s photos taken of Marisa Abela as Winehouse and Jack O’Connell as her ex – husband. It shows Winehouse’s final years.
Amy Winehouse’s father, Mitch supports the film, despite slamming a documentary on his daughter’s life in 2015.
Is it exploitation?
Not everyone is looking forward to the film’s release. Yaz told ABC Everyday:
It’s only been twelve years since Amy died. For many fans, it still feels too raw. Hollywood has been trying to make a movie about Amy happen since 2011 — that’s how long it’s taken to get it off the ground. A few projects were floated over the years., but none have managed to get anywhere.
As told to Rachel Rasker and Yasmin Jeffery, ABC Everyday, posted 9 February, 9, 2023
Will this film be exploitative. Yaz thinks it might be:
Why would we now need a dramatised version of her already very well documented — and exploited — pain?
Mental health trauma porn: Winehouse isn’t the only victim
I’m not going to speculate Amy Winehouse’s mental diagnosis. If you look at Google or YouTube, you’ll find heaps of theories on it.
It’s clear that Winehouse was a very unwell woman. Her life was unravelling in front of the world’s eyes.
Unfortunately, she isn’t the only celebrity who’s mental health has unravelled while the world looked on. Actress Marilyn Monroe is another example I can think of.
Marilyn Monroe (real name Norma Jeane Mortenson), had a history of trauma and mental illness before her tragic death in 1962, just aged thirty – six. She was exploited and her world crumbled before everyone’s eyes.
In 1973, rock star, Elton John released Candle in the Wind. The Elton John/ Bernie Taupin track was written in honour of Monroe. The lyrics make it clear that Monroe was exploited, even after her passing:
Even when you died
Oh, the press still hounded you
All the papers had to say
Was that Marilyn was found in the nude
Candle in the Wind, E. John, B. Taupin, released 1973
Both Marilyn Monroe and Amy Winehouse were exploited. Their cries of help were ignored. People watched the ‘spectacle’ of their lives unravelling. However, I think things have positively changed since Monroe’s death.
People are willing to ask themselves the moralityvof tehashing lives of people who have suffered and died. That can on,y be a good thing.
If the Winehouse biopic is ever aired in Australia, I don’tvthink I’ll be seeing it. I do get people’s reservations. Let Amy rest in peace.
If you’re in Australia and are struggling, you can contact:
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636 (they also have a webchat).
If you are in danger, call 000 (or your country’s emergency number.