{"id":547692,"date":"2026-04-22T12:33:11","date_gmt":"2026-04-22T10:33:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/numero.com\/non-classifiee\/why-are-good-biopics-so-rare\/"},"modified":"2026-04-22T17:31:42","modified_gmt":"2026-04-22T15:31:42","slug":"why-are-good-biopics-so-rare","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/numero.com\/en\/culture-en\/movies\/why-are-good-biopics-so-rare\/","title":{"rendered":"Why are good biopics so rare?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6a3be23e16ff7&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6a3be23e16ff7\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"654\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/numero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/push-biopic-michael-jackson-numero--1024x654.jpg\" alt=\"Jaafar Jackson en Michael Jackson sur le tournage de Michael (2025)\" class=\"wp-image-754862\"\/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Jaafar Jackson as Michael Jackson in the film <em>Michael<\/em> (2025). \u00a9&nbsp;Lionsgate. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In recent months, many biopics have come out about Bob Marley, Priscilla Presley, Maria Schneider, Maurice Ravel, Amy Winehouse, Lee Miller, Charles Aznavour with <strong>Tahar Rahim<\/strong>, Bob Dylan with <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/numero.com\/en\/culture-en\/movies\/timothee-chalamet-today-cynicism-is-stronger-than-in-the-sixties\/\">Timoth\u00e9e Chalamet<\/a><\/strong> (<em>A Complete Unknown<\/em>), <strong>Maria Callas<\/strong> with <a href=\"https:\/\/numero.com\/en\/culture-en\/movies\/angelina-jolie-star-of-a-film-about-fashion-directed-by-a-french-filmmaker\/\"><strong>Angelina Jolie<\/strong><\/a>, <strong>Pharrell Williams<\/strong>, and <strong>Robbie Williams<\/strong>. In 2025, a feature focusing on a specific part of Bruce Springsteen&#8217;s life starred <a href=\"https:\/\/numero.com\/en\/culture-en\/how-jeremy-allen-white-has-already-left-his-mark-in-2024-2\/\"><strong>Jeremy Allen White<\/strong><\/a> as the rock legend. This year, fans are treated with a flattering portrayal of <strong>Michael Jackson<\/strong> in the biopic <em><strong>Michael<\/strong><\/em> (2025). Yet, the project received a lukewarm reception from the critics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A biopic on Michael Jackson met with a lukewarm reception<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hardly a week goes by without the announcement of an upcoming biopic. <strong>Johnny Hallyday<\/strong>, <strong>Janis<\/strong> <strong>Joplin<\/strong>, <strong>Joni Mitchell<\/strong>, <strong>Ronnie Spector<\/strong> (with <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/numero.com\/en\/culture-en\/movies\/zendaya-projects-series-films\/\">Zendaya<\/a><\/strong>), the <strong>Beatles<\/strong>, <strong>Susan Sontag<\/strong>, <strong>Scorpions<\/strong>, <strong>Nat King Cole<\/strong>, <strong>Julio Iglesias<\/strong>, <strong>Frank<\/strong> <strong>Sinatra<\/strong>\u2026 Many projects are currently in development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yet, these biographical works recounting the lives and careers of deceased (or still alive) stars rarely live up to the aura of their notorious protagonists. How can we explain this gap between the filmmakers\u2019 and audiences\u2019 enthusiasm for the genre and the actual quality of these productions?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6a3be23e1756c&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6a3be23e1756c\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1300\" height=\"1634\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/numero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/amy-winehouse-biopic-back-to-black-1-1.jpg\" alt=\"Marisa Abela in Back to Black (2024) \u00a9 Dean Rogers \/ STUDIOCANAL SAS.\" class=\"wp-image-499082\"\/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Marisa Abela starring in <em>Back to Black<\/em> (2024) \u00a9 Dean Rogers \/ STUDIOCANAL SAS.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><em>Bob Marley: One Love, Back to Black<\/em>\u2026 Biopics approved by relatives of the stars<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One possible explanation is the involvement of a relative in a biopic that sanctifies a celebrity. Indeed, when someone close to the star is involved, one can be sure that many of the rough edges will be ironed out. Especially regarding drug addictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some parts of the story are rewritten in a positive light. For instance, the terrible biopic <em><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/numero.com\/culture\/cinema\/pourquoi-le-biopic-sur-bob-marley-est-une-catastrophe-absolue\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Bob Marley: One Love<\/a><\/strong><\/em> has been approved by Bob Marley\u2019s mother Rita and sister Cedella. While the eldest son of <strong>Bob Marley<\/strong>, Ziggy Marley, co-produced the film about the reggae icon. The same goes for <em><strong>Michael<\/strong><\/em> (2026), in which <strong>Jaafar Jeremiah Jackson<\/strong>, son of <strong>Jermaine Jackson<\/strong> and nephew of <strong>Michael<\/strong> and <strong>Janet Jackson<\/strong>, embodies his uncle. There is no mention whatsoever of the allegations of child abuse that long surrounded the star\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As for <em><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/numero.com\/culture\/what-can-we-expect-of-the-new-biopic-on-amy-winehouse\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Back to Black<\/a><\/strong><\/em>, the failed biopic about <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/numero.com\/culture\/musique\/le-jour-ou-jai-rencontre-amy-winehouse\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Amy Winehouse<\/a><\/strong>, it glamorizes the relationship between the star and her father, Mitch Winehouse. The latter was far more toxic and self-serving than the work suggests. As a matter of fact, he was delighted by the cast. Some even believe that he played a major role in the singer\u2019s hellish fall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6a3be23e17a0f&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6a3be23e17a0f\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"2560\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/numero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/bohemian-rhapsody-rami-malek-numero-magazine-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Rami Malek in Bohemian Rhapsody (2018).\" class=\"wp-image-388386\"\/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Rami Malek starring in <em>Bohemian Rhapsody<\/em> (2018).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><em>Bohemian Rhapsody<\/em> or the Hollywood vision of Freddie Mercury&#8217;s life<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Biopics often have one flaw in common. They are offering a simplified, sanitized Hollywood vision of the life of a star. An illustration of that is Bryan Singer\u2019s <em><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/numero.com\/culture\/musique\/rami-malek-en-cuir-et-moustache-dans-le-film-bohemian-rhapsody-diffuse-sur-m6\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Bohemian Rhapsody<\/a><\/strong><\/em> (2018), starring <strong>Rami Malek<\/strong>. It poorly addresses the icon\u2019s homosexuality and waters down <strong>Freddie Mercury<\/strong>\u2019s bacchanalia and dark side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yet, when the rights holders don\u2019t approve the film projects, the music of the singers cannot be used. As a consequence, the authenticity of a biopic is hindered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Well-done biopics focusing on only one part of an artist&#8217;s life<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, there are a few exceptions. When the genuine vision of a screenwriter writes the story of a myth, then we\u2019re dealing with a success story. Examples of that include <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/numero.com\/culture\/cinema\/mostra-de-venise-2023-sofia-coppola-raconte-la-vie-de-priscilla-presley-dans-un-biopic-poignant\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sofia Coppola<\/a><\/strong>\u2019s <em><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/numero.com\/mode\/les-dessous-de-la-robe-de-mariee-chanel-du-film-priscilla-de-sofia-coppola\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Priscilla<\/a><\/strong><\/em> (2024), about Priscilla and Elvis Presley, and <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/numero.com\/mode\/fashion-week\/chanel-haute-couture-printemps-ete-2021-lalbum-photo-signe-anton-corbijn\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Anton Corbijn<\/a><\/strong>\u2019s <em>Control<\/em> (2007), about the tormented life of <strong>Ian Curtis<\/strong>, leader of the cult band <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/numero.com\/culture\/musique\/les-reliques-de-joy-division-aux-encheres\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Joy Division.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6a3be23e17e91&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6a3be23e17e91\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"418\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/numero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/timothee-chalamet-un-parfait-inconnu6.jpg\" alt=\"Timoth\u00e9e Chalamet and Monica Barbaro in the film A Complete Unknown (2025) \u00a9 Searchlight Pictures All Rights Reserved.\" class=\"wp-image-566621\"\/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Timoth\u00e9e Chalamet and Monica Barbaro in the film <em>A Complete Unknown <\/em>(2025) \u00a9 Searchlight Pictures All Rights Reserved.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Biopics about Bruce Springsteen and Bob Dylan in 2025<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The same goes for <em><strong>A Complete Unknown<\/strong><\/em> (2025), the biopic about <strong>Bob Dylan<\/strong> starring <strong>Timoth\u00e9e Chalamet<\/strong>. It focuses on the early years of the folk legend\u2019s career. <em><strong>Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere<\/strong><\/em> (2025) only tackles with the recording of the Boss\u2019s album <em><strong>Nebraska<\/strong><\/em>. As for Gus Van Sant\u2019s <em><strong>Last Days <\/strong><\/em>(2005), it recounts <strong>Kurt Cobain<\/strong>&#8216;s final days in a rather free form.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><em>Schindler&#8217;s List <\/em>and <em>Elephant Man, <\/em>among the best biopics of all time<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Biopics also tend to be more convincing when we know very little about the life of the person being portrayed and celebrated, or not. One can think of <strong>Steven Spielberg<\/strong>&#8216;s <strong><em>Schindler\u2019s List<\/em><\/strong> (1994) with Liam Neeson, <strong>Tim Burton<\/strong>&#8216;s <em>Ed Wood<\/em> (1994), <strong>Peter Farrelly<\/strong>&#8216;s <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/numero.com\/en\/culture-en\/movies\/best-road-movies-to-rewatch-this-summer-sirat-green-book-easy-rider\/\"><em>Green Book<\/em><\/a> <\/strong>(2019) with Viggo Mortensen and Mahershala Ali, <strong>David Lynch<\/strong>&#8216;s <em><strong>The Elephant Man<\/strong><\/em> (1981) with Anthony Hopkins, or <strong>Martin Scorsese<\/strong>&#8216;s <em>Raging Bull<\/em> (1981) with Robert De Niro.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6a3be23e182c6&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6a3be23e182c6\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"696\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/numero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/maria-schneider-festival-de-cannes-20245.jpg\" alt=\"Anamaria Vartolomei in Maria (2024).\" class=\"wp-image-542581\"\/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Anamaria Vartolomei starring in <em>Maria<\/em> (2024).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But one could also add <strong><em>Goodfellas<\/em><\/strong> (1990), <em>The Wolf of Wall Street<\/em> (2013) by Martin Scorsese,<strong> <em>Dallas Buyers Club <\/em><\/strong>(2014) by Jean-Marc Vall\u00e9e with Matthew McConaughey, <strong><em>Into the Wild<\/em> <\/strong>(2007) by Sean Penn, or <em><strong>The Imitation Game <\/strong><\/em>(2014) by Morten Tyldum, starring Benedict Cumberbatch. The latest one is <strong>Christopher Nolan<\/strong>&#8216;s blockbuster <a href=\"https:\/\/numero.com\/en\/culture-en\/movies\/why-oppenheimer-will-be-one-of-the-box-office-bombs-this-summer\/\"><strong><em>Oppenheimer<\/em><\/strong><\/a> (2023).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These biopics often have the merit of brilliantly shining a light on figures barely known by the audience. For when a biopic tackles the story of an icon, like <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/numero.com\/culture\/cinema\/limmense-marilyn-monroe-en-5-looks-iconiques\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Marilyn Monroe<\/a><\/strong> for instance, it remains difficult for the actors to match the aura of the figure they embody, even with all the make-up and prosthetics in the world. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Michael (2025) by Antoine Fuqua, out in theatres now.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In recent months, many biopics have come out about Bob Marley, Priscilla Presley, Maria Schneider, [&#8230;]<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"btn btn-secondary understrap-read-more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/numero.com\/en\/culture-en\/movies\/why-are-good-biopics-so-rare\/\">Read More&#8230;<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> from Why are good biopics so rare?<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":672915,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[88,87],"tags":[3933,1917,8501,1933,1982],"class_list":["post-547692","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-movies","category-culture-en","tag-amy-winehouse-en","tag-angelina-jolie-en","tag-biopics-en-2","tag-pharrell-williams-en","tag-timothee-chalamet-en"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.7 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Why good biopics are so rare?<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Many biopics (Bruce Springsteen, Bob Marley, Amy Winehouse) are being released, but few are really good. 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