FEATURE:
Prince at Sixty-Five
IN THIS PHOTO: Prince in action during a Purple Rain tour performance in Los Angeles, March 1985/PHOTO CREDIT: The LIFE Picture Collection/Shutterstock
Revisiting the Idea of a Biopic or Film Featuring the Genius’s Music
_________
I might publish another feature…
IN THIS PHOTO: Prince performing at the Fabulous Forum on 19th February, 1985 in Inglewood, California/PHOTO CREDIT: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
ahead of Prince’s sixty-fifth birthday on 7th June. We lost the genius in 2016, but I am very keen to celebrate his legacy and life through a series of features. He is one of the all-time greatest and most influential artists. I don’t think we will ever see anyone quite like him again! When I wrote some features commemorating his passing (Prince died in April 2016), I did mention how there has not been a biopic or new documentary about his life. Not that his music is obsolete or the man needs reframing. I just think he is due some celebration on the big or small screen. Documentaries seem obvious. He is someone who continues to influence artists and millions around the world. I am sure we could have a series of documentaries that discuss his iconic albums – including Purple Rain and 1999 -, and what he gave to the world. There have been documentaries through the years, but not anything thorough since he died in 2016. In terms of biopics, there is always some sort of talk and rumour. It is hard to get the tone right and clear things with the estate. I am sure that they would give permission for a project, providing that it was truthful, open, and featured the right actor in the lead role. Prince’s career and life was so compelling, successful and varied, we do need to see the great man on the big screen! I feel that, alongside Madonna, this is one of the major artists who has been missing from cinema. Maybe many might feel it would be sacrilege to his legacy and brilliance. Can we expect an actor to replace Prince? I can see what they are saying, but nobody is trying to dishonour him. In fact, I feel a biopic could introduce Prince’s music to a new generation!
As he would have been sixty-five on 7th June, I am thinking more and more about his life and music. How it has not really been explored as much as it could have been. With such a long career, it is a decision as to whether home in on a particular period or do something more wide-ranging and career-spanning – though I suppose focusing on his golden period in the 1980s might be wiser. I would be fascinated if a film explored the time between Prince releasing 1999 (1982) and Purple Rain (1984), or how his career hit a new level after that. As an inspiration for other Black artists, an activist and icon, Prince defied racial stereotypes. His music was flamboyant for sure, he his amorphous sexuality was not common at the time. There is no doubt that Prince is a role model and peerless historical figure. If not a biopic, then there is scope and promise regarding a film that features music from Prince. As I previously wrote, there are films that use an artist’s music as a soundtrack. Maybe the lead characters are inspired by them. A coming-of-age narrative that uses these songs to score some powerful scenes. With Prince, this could really bring to life a remarkable and moving film. From funky and exhilarating tracks to political statements and raw cuts, through to more romantic or sexual sermons, his wonderful catalogue could feature in a film!
There are all sorts of possible scenarios, but a film set in the U.S. seems like the best place. I like the idea of an individual or a group of friends bonding and being inspired by Prince. His songs scoring big moments. Whether it is love/sex, or something joyful. Maybe a tense moment. One where someone faces racial prejudice or violence. There is that possibility of making it a more musical film, and one or two songs – such as Let’s Go Crazy – do suggest a bigger choreographed number, or even a solo performance/dance. I can’t think of any film from recent years where an artist’s music has been the backbone and inspiration through a motion picture. Not that Prince can ever be forgotten or under-appreciated, but I do feel like there needs to be a big project and screen representation. We are getting posthumous releases – and that will continue for many years to come. I do like the idea of a film set in the 1980s or 1990s. A group of friends facing challenges or discrimination. Chronicling their lives and events, Prince’s music would very much be a driving force and sense of stability and guidance. I have been thinking about this a lot. As Prince is sixty-five on 7th June, it is right back at the forefront. An amazing and legendary artist who, to my mind, has been ignored when it comes to documentaries and films especially, there is a place – and I think demand – for the mighty Prince. Even though he died seven years ago, his legacy and importance will never fade. I long for the day when we see Prince’s life or music firmly on the big (or small) screen. I’d like to think, if he were still with us, that he would…
FIRMLY approve.