Hollywood’s musical biopic fever is, once again, in full swing. Buzz has never been louder for Sam Mendes’s ambitiousFab Four biopic– a quartet of films from the perspective of each Beatle – even with the release date still being three years away. Meanwhile, although Timothée Chalamet might not have taken home the Oscar for his lauded performance as Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown, pundits are already tipping The Bear’s Jeremy Allen White for next year’s prize forhis turn as Bruce Springsteenin the forthcoming Deliver Me From Nowhere.But amid thediscoursearound how much Paul Mescal may or may not look like McCartney and whether White can nail those gravelly vocals, two other recent biopic announcements – among the slate’s most exciting yet – risk being drowned out despite their considerable cultural significance.View image in fullscreen‘Godmother’ … Sister Rosetta Tharpe circa 1944.Photograph: Hulton Archive/Getty ImagesLast week,it was confirmedthat Zendaya will star as Ronnie Spector, the iconic lead singer of 60s girl group The Ronettes in the long-awaited biopic Be My Baby for A24, where she’ll also take on a producer role. “Ronnie, being able to know you is one of the greatest honors of my life” wrote Zendaya inan Instagram tributeafter the singer’s death in 2022. “Thank you for sharing your life with me … I hope to make you proud.” Barry Jenkins will direct the film, based on Spector’s 1990 memoir, in which her troubled relationship with the producer Phil Spector looms large.Also revealed is thatLizzo is set to playthe trailblazing gospel and blues musician Sister Rosetta Tharpe in a biopic for Amazon – finally bringing to the screen a pioneer as cinematically unsung as she has been in history. Tharpe’s innovative, electric guitar-strapped style was instrumental in defining the sound of American rock and influenced a generation of stars including Elvis, Little Richard, Chuck Berry, Keith Richards and Johnny Cash. Lizzo will also produce the film which promises to give Tharpe’s legacy as the “godmother of Rock n Roll” its rightful due.“There were no auditions for Sister Rosetta Tharpe,” wrote Lizzo inan impassioned Instagram post. “Because this is a film I’ve been producing for years, fighting for her story to get told … This is my baby, my passion – because Rosetta deserves. The Godmother of Rock n Roll is in good hands.”Sure, these films finally getting the greenlight may be part of Hollywood’s ongoing obsession with the stories of musical titans. But they could deliver an overdue celebration of groundbreaking Black female artists who changed music profoundly, something beyond what Hollywood has offered up recently. It heralds a powerful and much-needed turn amid a parade of biopics dominated by widely celebrated white male artists whose legacies continue to endure.
Stop screaming about the Beatles biopic. Start whooping for Zendaya as Ronnie Spector and Lizzo as Sister Rosetta Tharpe
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Zendaya and Lizzo to Star in Biopics Celebrating Iconic Female Musicians Ronnie Spector and Sister Rosetta Tharpe"
The Guardian
7.4
TruthLens AI Summary
Hollywood is currently experiencing a resurgence in musical biopics, with significant buzz surrounding Sam Mendes’s upcoming Beatles biopic, which promises a unique perspective on each member of the legendary band. Despite the film's release being three years away, the excitement is palpable, especially with the critical acclaim surrounding performances by actors like Timothée Chalamet as Bob Dylan in 'A Complete Unknown.' Meanwhile, Jeremy Allen White is emerging as a frontrunner for next year’s Oscars for his portrayal of Bruce Springsteen in 'Deliver Me From Nowhere.' However, amidst the frenzy over these well-known figures, two recent announcements regarding biopics of influential but oft-overlooked artists are generating considerable anticipation. These projects highlight the importance of celebrating female musicians who have significantly shaped the music landscape yet have not always received the recognition they deserve.
Zendaya is set to portray Ronnie Spector, the iconic lead singer of The Ronettes, in the biopic 'Be My Baby,' which is based on Spector's memoir and will be directed by Barry Jenkins. Zendaya, who will also serve as a producer, expressed her deep respect for Spector following her passing in 2022, emphasizing her commitment to honoring Spector’s legacy. Additionally, Lizzo will take on the role of Sister Rosetta Tharpe, a pioneering musician whose innovative style laid the groundwork for rock and roll. Lizzo has been vocal about her passion for this project, stating that there were no auditions because she has been dedicated to telling Tharpe's story for years. Both films not only promise to shine a light on these groundbreaking Black female artists but also represent a shift in Hollywood's narrative focus, moving away from the predominantly white male-centric stories that have dominated the genre. This development reflects a growing recognition of the cultural significance of these artists and the need to celebrate their contributions to music history.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article highlights the increasing trend of musical biopics in Hollywood, focusing on the excitement surrounding two specific projects: Zendaya portraying Ronnie Spector and Lizzo taking on Sister Rosetta Tharpe. Both characters represent significant figures in music history, and their stories are often overlooked. By bringing these biopics to light, the article aims to shift attention from more mainstream projects that dominate the conversation, such as the upcoming Beatles biopic.
Cultural Significance and Impact
The announcement of these biopics is culturally significant as they aim to celebrate and recognize the contributions of female artists in a predominantly male-dominated music industry. By featuring Zendaya and Lizzo, the films are likely to resonate with contemporary audiences who value representation and diversity in storytelling. The article hints at the potential cultural impact these films could have, celebrating the legacies of Spector and Tharpe, who have been historically marginalized.
Public Perception and Discourse
There is an indication that the public discourse surrounding biopics tends to focus on big names and well-known figures, which could overshadow the narratives of lesser-known but equally important artists. By emphasizing Zendaya and Lizzo's upcoming roles, the article seeks to reframe the conversation and encourage audiences to engage with stories that may not be as widely recognized, thus creating a broader appreciation for diverse musical histories.
Potential Manipulation and Bias
While the article seems to celebrate diversity in the film industry, it could be seen as downplaying the significance of other biopics, such as the Beatles film, which might be perceived as more commercially viable. This selective focus raises questions about the motivations behind promoting certain stories over others, possibly indicating an agenda to elevate discussions around female representation at the expense of traditional narratives in music history.
Trustworthiness and Reliability
The reliability of the article is bolstered by specific details regarding the projects, such as the directors, production companies, and the involvement of the actors. However, the overall narrative could be viewed as somewhat biased, primarily highlighting the importance of female artists while potentially minimizing the broader context of the biopic trend in Hollywood. This article serves to promote the upcoming biopics while aiming to shift public perception towards a more inclusive understanding of musical history. The focus on Zendaya and Lizzo as leading figures suggests an effort to encourage audiences to appreciate diverse stories, potentially influencing future projects in the industry.