Words By Rayhanah Ginwalla
With so many remarkable individuals, there is plenty of material for biographical dramas. We’ve gathered some of the best biopics on this list.
The genre of biopics draws from extraordinary figures. But what makes a good biopic? For this list, we’ve chosen films with lead actors whose performances do justice to their characters, structurally sound (and not overly complex) narratives, and emotive cinematography and production: all working to deliver a truer presentation of the lives they aim to explore.
Hidden Figures
Unlike the other biopics on our life which follow singular individuals, Hidden Figures follows three extraordinary women who played a pivotal role in NASA’s first successful astronaut endeavour. Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer and Janelle Monae make up a compelling cast, delivering justice to their characters’ genius, and struggles against racial and gender discrimination. The film celebrates and pays tribute to Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson.
The Diving Bell and the Butterfly
This biopic follows Elle editor Jean Dominique Bauby, who suffered from a stroke that left him paralysed and only able to communicate with his left eye. The film questions where meaningfulness and beauty can be found in life, exploring the struggle and impact disabilities can have daily. Mathieu Amalric’s performance as Bauby creates an inspiring, and emotional work of art.
On The Basis of Sex
Felicity Jones stars as Ruth Bader Ginsburg: a former Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, following her early career. She was only the second woman to have been appointed to the Court, and had a long journey in getting there. As is a recurring problem with biopics, RBG’s journey was full of twists and complexities that could not make the screen. However, what has been translated across does a decent job of encapsulating the spirit and strength of Ruth.
Malcolm X
Denzel Washington’s performance as the famous, but controversial, civil rights activist is electrifying to watch. The film explores the nuances of Malcolm’s life, following the circumstances of his shifting philosophies. It is a powerful film that pays homage to one of the most influential activists of his time.
Erin Brockovich
Julia Roberts brings Erin to life on the big screen, encapsulating her crusade against Pacific Gas & Electric’s (PG&E’s) environmental poisoning. A single, unemployed mother, Erin is a fierce figure who fights for what is right. We follow her investigation and legal battle for a town called Hinckley, whose residents suffer from various diseases. These diseases are believed to be because of PG&E’s use of carcinogenic toxins in their drinking water. The film follows events in the 1990s, however, its problems are still prevalent in today’s society – it is a must-watch for anyone wanting to understand more about the implications of larger companies in today’s climate and environmental crisis.
The Imitation Game
The Imitation Game follows the tragic story of Alan Turing and the cruel injustice he faced. He was a mathematician, computer scientist, logician, cryptanalyst and more, whose work was vital to saving millions of lives in WW2, and created the basis for the first computers. Although the biopic is somewhat simplified, this allows the complexity of Turing’s work to be accessible to its audience. A good biopic requires a compelling lead actor, and Benedict Cumberbatch certainly delivers. The film is a sentimental tribute to one of Britain’s geniuses.
I, Tonya
This biopic attempts (and succeeds) at creating a sympathetic figure for one of the most disliked public figures in America. Margot Robbie plays Tonya, who was an American figure skater. Her talent did not mean she became a sporting darling: in fact, her career was a continuous attempt to escape her ‘white trash’ roots. The movie explores the complexities of her life and the abusive relationships she was in that led to her very public downfall with nuance and care.
The Pursuit of Happyness
Following Christopher Gardner, Will Smith plays the role of a struggling father with inspiring nuance. The movie focuses on the ups and downs of the salesman’s life, and its impact on his familial relationships. I would definitely recommend this for anyone looking to watch a biopic exploring the complexities of family. The film also portrays a beautiful father-son relationship, with Jaden Smith encapsulating the charming innocence of young Chris.