- "Bohemian Rhapsody" won four Oscars this year, but not everyone was happy about it.
- Some critics slated the film when it was first released.
- Other viewers have concerns over the film's former director Bryan Singer, who is facing sexual misconduct allegations.
"Bohemian Rhapsody" won four awards at this year's Oscars hosted at LA's Dolby Theatre on Sunday. The film depicting the life of Freddie Mercury and the creation of legendary band Queen picked up best sound mixing, sound editing, and film editing, while Rami Malek won best leading actor for his portrayal of the frontman.
But while the film was a success both at the awards and in the box office, it was slated by many critics and viewers on social media when it was first released.
And it looked like many viewers didn't change their minds after the Oscar wins either, with many on Twitter expressing their disappointment.
Bohemian Rhapsody is one long instastory we all should’ve skipped pic.twitter.com/bmpfN817Wl
— Nerdy PoC (@NerdyPoC) February 25, 2019
Did Bohemian Rhapsody hold someone in the Academy hostage or something
— Charlotte Wilder (@TheWilderThings) February 25, 2019
The scene from Wayne’s World where they sing “Bohemian Rhapsody” had better editing, sound mixing, and sound editing than the movie “Bohemian Rhapsody”.
— g (@shadesoftimmyt) February 25, 2019
Bohemian Rhapsody now has more Oscars than The Godfather: https://t.co/geUre7dqNQ
— Julia Turner (@juliaturner) February 25, 2019
Some Queen fans weren't happy with the narrative of the film, feeling it wasn't believable or true to the real story. Other critics said Malek's performance was all that saved the film, while a Guardian review said it "feels less a pioneering musical odyssey than a really good covers band," and New York Times critic A.O. Scott wrote: "You can do better with YouTube and a stack of vinyl records."
Read more: 12 films that don't deserve their 2019 Oscar nominations — sorry
The Guardian's film critic Peter Bradshaw later said: "he [Malek] wasn't as good as the other four nominees: Christian Bale for Vice, Bradley Cooper for A Star Is Born, Willem Dafoe for At Eternity’s Gate and indeed Viggo Mortensen for Green Book."
Meanwhile, The Telegraph's Robbie Collin called Malek, "the most embarrassing winner in years."
Other viewers expressed their distaste for Bryan Singer, the film's original director, receiving money or recognition for the win. Singer is currently facing sexual misconduct allegations, and was fired for not showing up and clashing with the cast and crew. He was replaced by Dexter Fletcher, although he is still credited as a director.
I guess i am more concerned with Brian Singer’s victims than mimicry. But also the movie was entertaining and Rami was good in it but it wasn’t Oscar worthy. Nothing will make me think it was.
— roxane gay (@rgay) February 25, 2019
Reminder that Brian Singer stands to make $40 million from #BohemianRhapsody Ahh, Hollywood. #Oscars
— Kai MacMahon (@kaimac) February 25, 2019
#BohemianRhapsody should not even have been considered to be nominated for the #Oscars. Brian Singer’s history with sexual assault is disgusting and nominating his film shows support and tolerance for his disgusting behaviors
— god won 🦋 (@rdawwwwwg) February 25, 2019
However, some people pointed out that "Bohemian Rhapsody" was a joint effort, and it was enjoyed by millions of people (it has 8.2/10 on IMDb and 61% on Rotten Tomatoes).
"Brian Singer was not the only person involved in making that movie,"wrote one person on Twitter. "Don't negate the hard work of all the other talented, driven people that helped create it."