Is the new Amy Winehouse biopic Back to Black in bad taste? Vote in our poll and have your say
The new Amy Winehouse biopic Back to Black has been slammed by friends of the late star, who have accused the project of "reliving the darkest moments in her life" - and we want to hear your thoughts
The new Amy Winehouse biopic Back To Black has been blasted by friends of the late star, who have slammed the production for "ghoulish" depictions of her drug addiction - and we want to hear YOUR thoughts.
The film, which premieres in London tonight, follows the Valerie star’s rise to fame, dark relationship with Blake Fielder-Civil, and personal struggles play out. Amy’s father Mitch Winehouse has faced backlash from friends of the singer, as he granted approval for the film crew to shoot scenes of her drug overdose at Amy’s former residence, which is now owned by Mitch.
Speaking to The Mail on Sunday, one pal vented: "The fact that Amy's father has said OK to film a scene where she had an overdose in the flat she lived in is disgusting. It was such a personal thing and it's so upsetting and not needed.
"It's like the film is reliving all the darkest moments in her life, when there were so many more amazing moments. Amy would really hate that they're focusing on all the dark stuff that she went through."
The biopic of the star, which is portrayed by Marisa Abela, will also feature footage of Amy's funeral following her death from alcohol poisoning in 2011. Musician Neon Hitch has also slammed the "tasteless" film, adding: "I feel very strange. Can you please all let Amy rest?"
Actor Jack O'Connell, who stars as Amy’s ex-husband Blake, has hit back at critics who have said the movie was "too soon", adding that everyone involved were determined to do Amy and her memory justice.
He told The Sunday Times : "Put it like this, if we were trying to portray her in any form of negative light, then that might be a valid point and I can understand one or two people pre-empting that. But if you talk to Sam [Taylor-Johnson, director] we're not even calling this a biopic, it's a celebration."
While Amy’s pals have voiced their fury at the film, her loved ones have backed the project, with the late star's estate previously releasing a statement saying: "We are thrilled that Studiocanal, Focus Features and Monumental are making this movie celebrating our daughter Amy’s extraordinary music legacy and showcasing her talent in the way that it deserves."
Discussing the upcoming biopic, director Sam said: "I feel excited and humbled to have this opportunity to realise Amy’s beautifully unique and tragic story to cinema accompanied by the most important part of her legacy – her music.
"I am fully aware of the responsibility, with my writing collaborator – Matt Greenhalgh – I will create a movie that we will all love and cherish forever. Just like we do Amy." Back To Black will be released in cinemas on April 12, with the premiere taking place in London tonight.
Following the divided response to the Amy Winehouse biopic, we want to know if YOU think the film is in bad taste? Vote in our poll HERE to have your say.
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