Amy Winehouse was forced to live her life in the public eye and the new film Amy captures just how horrendously difficult that must have been for her.
I was never particularly invested in Amy Winehouse when she was alive. I knew that she was supremely talented and I knew her songs, but I never really connected with them.
Her meteoric rise and fall took place in my peripheral vision and, although I knew her death was tragic and came far too soon, it wasn’t something that I grieved in any meaningful way.
I do remember it though. And I remember the media coverage around it and leading up to it.
There was an endless stream of judgmental commentary about the singer and her personal life.
People criticised her for her drug-use, her tiny frame, her skin, her attitude. Everything. There was no part of her life that escaped the harsh scrutiny of the public eye.
Trashy magazine splashed disgustingly invasive pictures of at her worst across their covers and everyone had an opinion to share, most resoundingly: How could she do that to herself when she was so talented?
It was like she owed us. And she had let us all down, apparently.
One of the most impressive feats of Asif Kapadia’s new film Amy (which is in cinemas now) is that it completely refrains from judging its subject.
The film is pieced together from footage of the singer’s life from her teen years until her untimely death at 27, woven together with commentary from those who knew her best and the music she produced throughout her short career.
It opens with a video of 14-year-old Amy, shot by one her friends, singing ‘Happy Birthday’ at a teenage party.
Top Comments
Beautifully written article about a heartbreaking film. I was a bit young to truly appreciate Amy's talent when she was at the peak of fame, and am embarrassed to admit that I just assumed she was the hot mess the media made her out to be...after seeing this documentary my perspective has changed entirely. Amy was a true artist, and in my opinion betrayed by those she cared for most, namely her awful ex husband Blake and miserable excuse for a father...both seemed far more intent on cashing in on her talents rather than helping/protecting their lovely Amy. A truly tragic loss...I have been listening to her songs on repeat ever since.
To me - Amy Winehouse was the best there ever was. I loved her since the first song of hers I heard, 'F-me pumps,' in my friend's room in London where we danced around to it all night, and I would estimate at least a quarter of all views on all Youtubes or anything containing Amy are mine! I closed my eyes and hoped for the best during the last phase when reports were grim of her being legless at her gigs, and I still haven't quite recovered from the text my sister sent during the night, 'Amy Winehouse is dead.' I haven't seen the movie yet as I've been steeling myself - but I enjoyed that review, thanks.