Throughout his incredible and short life, Freddie Mercury has given many interviews. Though often uncomfortable with them, he realized they were integral to his job. He dedicated an entire month to growing and maintaining his mustache, which came to define his career and define him.
Overbite and Bohemian Rhapsody
Bohemian Rhapsody makes one of its hallmarks of Freddie Mercury’s unique appearance, his overbite. Although he had access to cosmetic dentistry services, Mercury refused to change his smile in favor of using it to give himself greater power as an actor and musician – using his teeth to transition effortlessly between deep growling to angelic operatic melody – making him one of the greatest musical icons ever known.
Farrukh Bulsara was born and raised mainly in India with four extra upper teeth known as mesiodens or supernumerary teeth inherited from his parents; these extra upper teeth pushed his front teeth forward, creating his signature overbite that can be easily recognized in pictures of him.
To recreate this feature of Malek’s character, director Bryan Singer and wig-maker Peter Lyons devised false teeth slightly smaller than Freddie’s originals to mimic how self-conscious Malek felt while initially wearing them. This subtle yet powerful gesture allowed Malek’s performance to come alive on screen.
Smiling and Private Life
Although Farrokh Bulsara, better known by his stage name Freddie Mercury, became an outspokenly gay icon after he died in 1991, during his life, he kept his sexuality private and only involved himself with one partner at any given time. Their relationship was challenging before finally settling with Jim Hutton as his companion.
As a young man, he preferred to keep his personal life private and only occasionally granted interviews. When doing so, he often pursed his lips and clenched his teeth to cover up an overbite that became his hallmark feature.
As Mercury aged, however, he established himself as one of rock music’s premier frontmen. As his image shifted from that of a glam rocker to a “gay clone,” some fans took note. On stage during a performance of “Another One Bites the Dust,” Mercury came as close as ever to declaring his homosexuality; for Bohemian Rhapsody director Rami Malek to depict this aspect of Mercury’s image was essential.
Gender Identity and Embracing Oneself
Freddie Mercury, revered by gay leathermen and heterosexual rock fans alike, didn’t conform to traditional notions of gender. A true rock superstar with full-throated vocals that could rock out for hours on end, Mercury also broke many rules by taking what were once defined rules and twisting them until they died.
The film follows a man as he wrestles with himself, dealing with sexuality-related demons while trying to balance his personal and public personas. It’s an engaging tale familiar to gay audiences as it depicts a protagonist with flaws who must overcome them to reach his destiny.
Malek’s performance transcends just another tale of queer heroism; it serves as an inspiring call to arms to LGBT youth to embrace themselves despite any ridicule or rejection they might encounter in today’s still homophobic environment. A message we need more than ever!
Sexuality and Freddie Mercury’s Life
Freddie Mercury was born in Farrokh Bulsara and raised in an environment that made it virtually impossible for him to come out as gay. Yet he was part of the 1970s movement, which brought sexual and gender experimentation to rock music, inspiring bands such as the New Romantics and more avant-garde acts like Queen.
Mercury reveled in his eccentric stage persona while at the same time being accessible to party and explore his sexuality. He enjoyed an on/off relationship with Mary Austin, whom he called his “common-law wife,” and an indulgent lifestyle that included cocaine use and multiple sexual partners.
Bohemian Rhapsody fails to adequately portray this aspect of Mercury’s life; instead, it focuses on his early band years and his struggle with HIV and AIDS. The film simplifies him into an archetypal story wherein an imperfect hero must overcome their flaw to reach their destiny, an inaccurate portrayal of an iconic icon.
