Diligent The "Back to Black" dramatization of Amy Winehouse sparks concerns about the late singer's exploitation.

 Diligent The "Back to Black" dramatization of Amy Winehouse sparks concerns about the late singer's exploitation.

image source Yahoo News Canada

At just 27 years old, Amy Winehouse's life was tragically cut short in 2011. Now, "Back to Black," a brand-new biopic, tells her life.

But the way the film addresses the singer's legacy and personal issues—including the two important men in her life, her husband Blake Fielder-Civil and father Mitch—has drawn criticism and controversy.


People's sentiments were strong from the beginning of filming when paparazzi photos of star Marisa Abela in London streets appeared online.

Early feedback berated Abela's look for sporting Winehouse's recognizable beehive and voluminous eye makeup, both of which look unkempt during a street scenario.

As Abela stated to Harper's Bazaar UK, "There was a lot to handle. I immediately turned everything off and tried to concentrate on doing a good job because that was what really mattered."
"But it did surprise me," she said, "I had assumed that people who love Amy would have wished for more generosity, kindness, and gentleness toward her." It also makes reasonable that individuals would wish to maintain ownership over her mythology and feel strongly bonded to it."
"It's hard not to see Amy's narrative as tragic in retrospect. catastrophic events permeate her story, leading to a catastrophic conclusion. However, Amy's life wasn't handed to her," Abela continued. "She brought forth a universe of music that people love and respect, 

Abela also admitted to Entertainment Tonight at the New York premiere that she is aware of people's protectiveness toward Winehouse.

"I believe I comprehend it. She is a huge icon and a big thing, but not in the way that we say that these days. She is a significant artist and means a great deal to a lot of people, therefore I understand, fully respect, and feel exactly the same way," she remarked.

For me, though, that just means working harder, quicker, and more intensively. I really had to immerse myself in that location because I work from a point of intentionality and human perspective, so there simply had to be no stone left unturned in my preparation."

Abela studied with a dance and vocal coach to mimic Winehouse's stage presence, learnt how to play the guitar, and performed her own singing for the film.