Freddie Mercury: The Great Pretender (2012) Review in 2025
Freddie Mercury: The Great Pretender is a documentary film that explores the life and career of the legendary Queen frontman Freddie Mercury. The film features exclusive interviews with Mercury's bandmates, friends, and family, offering a unique glimpse into his personal and professional life.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
Not recommended for young children due to mature themes and some explicit content.
CineReview Recommendation
Recommended for fans of Queen and music documentaries. However, viewers may want to approach with caution due to some mature themes and explicit content.
Spoiler Alert!
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The documentary delves into Mercury's struggles with his identity, his relationships, and his health issues, ultimately leading to his untimely death. The film also showcases Mercury's incredible talent and charisma, both on and off stage.
Review Details
story8.00/10
The documentary's narrative is engaging and well-structured, offering a comprehensive look at Mercury's life and career. However, some viewers may find the pacing a bit slow at times.
acting8.00/10
The documentary's lack of traditional acting means that the performances are generally understated, but some viewers may find the interviews with Mercury's bandmates and friends to be particularly compelling.
characters9.00/10
The documentary features a wide range of interviews with Mercury's bandmates, friends, and family, providing a well-rounded portrayal of his personality and relationships.
direction8.50/10
The director's use of archival footage and interviews is effective in conveying the story, but some viewers may find the editing a bit disjointed at times.
cinematography8.00/10
The film's visuals are generally well-done, but some viewers may find the use of black and white footage a bit jarring at times.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The documentary offers a unique and comprehensive look at Freddie Mercury's life and career, featuring exclusive interviews with his bandmates, friends, and family. The film's narrative is engaging and well-structured, and the visuals are generally well-done.
Cons
Some viewers may find the pacing a bit slow at times, and the editing can be a bit disjointed. Additionally, the documentary's lack of traditional acting means that the performances are generally understated.
Notable Quotes
"Brian May: 'Freddie was a true original, and his talent and charisma are still unmatched today.'"
"Freddie Mercury: 'I'm a perfectionist, and I always want to be the best.'"
