Should Bohemian Rhapsody Have Focused on ‘Under Pressure’?
Bohemian Rhapsody, a cinematic masterpiece celebrating the incredible journey and legacy of the legendary rock band Queen, gained widespread attention and accolades. At its core, the film aimed to capture the essence of Queen’s unique sound and nostalgic aura. One question that often arises is whether the filmmakers should have shifted more focus on the song 'Under Pressure.' While it was a significant part of Queen’s career, leading to many discussions, the decision to prioritize 'Under Pressure' in the movie may not be the best choice. Let's delve into the reasoning behind this perspective.
Why 'Under Pressure' May Not Be the Safest Bet
Despite 'Under Pressure' being a substantial part of Queen’s career and a top hit, it ultimately ranks as the 8th most popular song in their catalog. The film's runtime of 2 hours and 15 minutes already includes some of their most famous tracks, such as 'Bohemian Rhapsody,' 'Don’t Stop Me Now,' 'Another One Bites the Dust,' 'We Will Rock You,' 'I Want to Break Free,' and 'We Are the Champions.' To cut any of these songs, especially 'Bohemian Rhapsody' and the music video of 'Another One Bites the Dust,' would significantly detract from the fan appeal and historical significance of Queen's legacy.
Moreover, 'Under Pressure' is an outside collaboration between Queen and Bowie, which introduces a different narrative thread that may not fully align with the band's journey as a group. A film about Queen should predominantly focus on the cohesive story of the band as a tight-knit family and a collective force that reshaped rock music. Including 'Under Pressure' and its notorious recording session may create a disconnection from this narrative, instead bringing in a different dynamic that could confuse or dilute the core message of the film.
The Unmatched Legacy of Queen’s Most Streamed Hits
The ranking of Queen's most streamed and popular songs provides valuable insight into which pieces of music truly resonated with fans over time. Those in the top ten, including 'Bohemian Rhapsody,' 'Don’t Stop Me Now,' 'Another One Bites the Dust,' 'We Will Rock You,' and 'We Are the Champions,' stand out as some of the most iconic and influential tracks in the band’s repertoire. Prioritizing these songs ensures that the film captures the zenith of what made Queen such a legendary and beloved band.
While 'Under Pressure' holds significant importance, it cannot be overlooked that the majority of Queen's hits are not collaboration tracks but rather full-band efforts. These songs reflect the band’s cohesiveness and creative synergy, which is the heart of their enduring legacy. Focusing on these top ten hits allows the filmmakers to craft a film that resonates with the band's true artistic vision and fosters a sense of unity and strength that defined Queen’s unique dynamic.
Focusing on the Band’s Core Identity
The film 'Bohemian Rhapsody' was designed to delve into the personal struggles, creative breakthroughs, and monumental success of Freddie Mercury, Brian May, Roger Taylor, and John Deacon as individuals and as a collective. It is through the lens of their deep-rooted relationships and their collaborative spirit that their music took on such transformative power. Including the band’s iconic hits, such as 'Bohemian Rhapsody,' 'We Will Rock You,' and 'We Are the Champions,' aligns perfectly with this narrative and allows fans to witness the collective magic of Queen in all its glory.
A central aspect of Queen’s music is the powerful synergy between their members, which is a crucial element in understanding their impact. 'Under Pressure' is an outlier in this context due to its collaboration with David Bowie. While an intriguing element, it disrupts the cohesive narrative that the film was aiming to tell. Maintaining a focus on Queen’s internal dynamics and the tightly-knit unity of their band ensures the story stays authentic, true to the primary narrative arc.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the decision to prioritize 'Under Pressure' in 'Bohemian Rhapsody' is not the most strategic choice. The film's runtime and the selection of other tracks already highlight the band's most iconic and beloved songs, ensuring that the story stays on track and captures the essence of Queen as a cohesive unit. The top ten songs deservedly hold the spotlight, providing a comprehensive and authentic portrayal of the band’s journey and their enduring legacy. The film's success lies in its ability to celebrate Queen's unique sound and familial bond, and 'Under Pressure' should remain in the background as a highlight rather than a focal point.