Do We Really Need So Many Biopic Films Now?
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I recently pitched the culture section of The i Paper. I submitted a few ideas exploring the intersections of culture, society, and entertainment. This was one of them.
The Article
Do We Need So Many Biopics?
The biopic genre has long held a fascination for audiences, offering a glimpse into the lives of historical figures, iconic musicians, and beloved celebrities. But recently, Hollywood seems especially enamored with these real-life stories. In just the last couple of years, we’ve seen Elvis, The Eyes of Tammy Faye, Blonde, and the series Pam & Tommy, to name a few, and there’s no sign of the trend slowing down with biopics of Bob Dylan, Michael Jackson, and Maria Callas currently in production.
As biopics pile up in streaming queues and on theater screens, the question arises: have we reached a saturation point? And beyond that, are these films doing justice to the people they portray, or simply exploiting their stories for profit?
Why Biopics Are Booming
It’s no secret that Hollywood loves a sure bet. Biopics offer a rare blend of familiarity and curiosity that’s attractive to studios looking to hedge against box office risk. When a film is about a famous figure, audiences are likely already aware of the subject, which helps with marketing and hype. The mystique of celebrity adds a built-in intrigue and a loyal fanbase can bring substantial box office returns.
But biopics don’t just rely on familiarity; they often tap into broader cultural moments. Many recent biopics spotlight figures who had complex, sometimes controversial lives, which resonate with today’s audiences. Take Elvis, which explores fame, race, and addiction. These issues remain relevant today. Or The Eyes of Tammy Faye, which tackled religious hypocrisy and tabloid culture, with themes that are as pertinent today as they were in the ’80s. These stories hold a mirror to societal issues, giving audiences a way to reflect on the past and understand present-day challenges through the lens of these larger-than-life personalities.
The Ethics of Real-Life Dramatizations
While there’s an undeniable thrill in watching famous lives unfold on screen, the accuracy of these portrayals often comes into question. It’s one thing to make a fictional story loosely inspired by true events, but it’s another to market a film as “based on real events” and then deviate significantly from reality. Filmmakers often argue that a degree of creative liberty is necessary to craft a compelling narrative, but where is the line?
Consider Pam & Tommy, the Hulu series chronicling the infamous leak of Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee’s private tape. While it brought fresh attention to the impact of media exploitation on women, Anderson herself spoke out against the show, citing the trauma of reliving such a painful part of her life. For Anderson, it was another instance of her privacy being violated. Her response raises the question: should Hollywood prioritize the dignity and consent of those they portray, or is it acceptable to shape someone’s life into entertainment as long as the public is interested?
As biopics become more prevalent, the ethics of their production become harder to ignore. Are these films meant to honor their subjects, or are they a convenient way to cash in on real-life drama?
Are Audiences Craving Biopics?
While biopics can generate substantial buzz, audience reactions to these films are mixed. A blockbuster hit like Bohemian Rhapsody (2018), which chronicled the rise of Queen and Freddie Mercury, broke records and was celebrated by both fans and critics. But it’s worth noting that the film glossed over or altered key aspects of Mercury’s life, sparking backlash from those who felt it sanitized his legacy.
Yet, for every Bohemian Rhapsody, there’s a Blonde, the controversial fictionalized take on Marilyn Monroe’s life. The film’s graphic, often disturbing portrayal of Monroe’s struggles led to polarized reviews and prompted some viewers to question whether it was glorifying her trauma or presenting it as exploitation. While Blonde did spark conversation, it wasn’t necessarily the adulation Netflix might have hoped for.
These varied receptions suggest that audiences may not crave biopics as much as Hollywood assumes. Instead, the draw of these films may lie in the packaging, promising access to “the real story” more than the actual stories themselves. In a world of constantly recycled content, audiences might turn to biopics for the allure of authenticity, only to be disappointed when these films deliver sensationalism instead of truth.
Are Biopics Diluting the Power of Cinema?
Another concern is that Hollywood’s dependence on biopics reflects a wider trend: a lack of original storytelling. In an age where franchises, reboots, and adaptations dominate, biopics feel like yet another way the industry repurposes familiar content instead of creating something new. By investing in the retelling of well-known stories, studios may inadvertently be crowding out more innovative voices and narratives.
Film critic Mark Harris puts it succinctly: “Hollywood is more than willing to explore the outer edges of an icon’s life, but the stories of people who live quieter, less sensational lives often remain untold.” When studios prioritize well-known figures over everyday stories, they reduce the diversity of stories that reach audiences. The industry’s insistence on fame-driven narratives suggests that biopics may be less about real human stories and more about leveraging celebrity to keep audiences invested.
Where Do We Go From Here?
Ultimately, the debate around biopics is one of balance. There is no doubt that some biopics offer insightful, respectful portrayals that illuminate both the achievements and flaws of their subjects. But as the trend continues, viewers are increasingly wary of films that lean too heavily on controversy and spectacle. To maintain relevance, biopics must strive to be more than just fan service or scandal fodder. They should offer thoughtful, nuanced narratives that respect their subjects as much as they entertain.
Perhaps it’s time for Hollywood to slow down and be more selective. By focusing on stories that truly have something new or meaningful to say, the industry could restore some of the lost magic to the genre. After all, audiences deserve not only to be entertained but also to be moved. And, sometimes they need to be reminded that truth, in its unembellished form, is more compelling than fiction.