It is extremely difficult and responsible to shoot a film about not a fictional character, but a real one, and even someone who is alive and well and will definitely watch this film. A lot depends on the script and the performance of the actors, and, frankly, on the perception of the prototype itself. But there are biopics that have succeeded in this difficult task.
1. 127 hours
Aaron Ralston, whose survival story is shown in the film (he had to amputate his arm to save himself stranded in a canyon), was very pleased with the result.
"The film is so factually accurate that it is close to documentary," he said. There was only one inaccuracy: the moment when he bathed in a secret lake with the girls he met before the accident. In fact, he just showed them a couple of climbing skills.
"I think it's the best movie ever". At that time, Aron "watched it 8 times and cried every time".
2. The Theory of Everything
Hawking saw the film before the premiere and liked it. Prior to that, he told lead actor Eddie Redmayne: "I'll let you know what I think - good or not." To which the actor replied: "Stephen, if not, then don't go into details."
But the scientist was impressed and by the end of the film, the nurse even wiped the tears from his eyes. Hawking called the film true and wrote a letter of approval to director James Marsh. "He said at times he thought he was seeing himself in the movie," Marsh said.
But the biggest praise was Hawking's generous gift: he allowed his computer-generated voice to be used in the film, which is actually trademarked and no one can just use it. According to screenwriter Anthony McCarten, they spent a lot of money and time to reproduce a similar voice, but they did not succeed. But in the end, they didn’t have to: Hawking gave them the original one.
3. The Wolf of Wall Street
Jordan Belfort praised the film's authenticity and DiCaprio's impressive performance. He especially liked the accurate depiction of the stormy festivities, although he said that in reality, it was even worse.
Speaking of Leonardo, Belfort admitted, "I was blown away. The way he was able to convey my energy, especially in the scenes and speeches of the sales. He didn't try to parody my voice, but more my mannerisms, tone, and gestures."
4. Rocketman
Elton John actively participated in the filming of a movie about him as he was afraid that the authors would smooth the corners. And in the end, the artist was satisfied with the result.
"When I looked at Taron (Edgerton, the lead actor), I did not see him, but myself. And when I heard the voice, I heard myself, but it was not me," said Sir Elton. It was important for him so that the actor who played him really sang well himself.
5. I, Tonya
According to Margot Robbie, who played the title role, Tonya Harding approved the film about her. "She was impressed and very flattered by what we did." The actress added that the figure skater was very lenient with Margot's ice skating, "although I'm not at all as good as I should have been."
6. Eddie the Eagle
Olympic ski jumper Eddie Edwards approved the film. "I was worried that they would turn me into some kind of superhero, or worse, make me look like a laughingstock, a clown." But he said the directors did a "fantastic job and kept the heart, essence, and spirit of the story."
7. Lion
Sar Brierley loved the movie about his quest to find his birth mother in India after they were separated and he was adopted by an Australian couple. He praised the actor Dev Patel who played him and was also impressed by the performance of Nicole Kidman, who played his foster mother. "She just embodied my mom, it was perfect. She took the time to meet my foster mother and talk to her."
8. Ali
Muhammad Ali liked the way Will Smith played him in the film. When asked about how Smith boxed, Ali said: "He's not as stupid as he looks." And the actor himself admitted: "The champion looked at me and nodded as a sign that I did a good job. I worked very hard, as much as I could."
