Music biopics are more popular than ever, and with the exception of Rocketman the more tragic they are, the better. Following on the heels of Bohemian Rhapsody and Elvis, two films about singers who died way too young, comes Back to Black, the Amy Winehouse biopic that has just found its director.
Deadline reports Sam Taylor-Johnson will direct Back to Back, a biopic on the incredible career and tragically-short life of Amy Winehouse. With a unique, soulful sound all of her own, Winehouse blew up in the 2000s with singles “Rehab”, “Back to Black”, “You Know I’m No Good”, and others. She often sang of the many personal demons that she struggled with. In 2011, Winehouse was found dead from an apparent drug overdose.
Taylor-Johnson is best known for directing Fifty Shades of Grey, an experience she did not enjoy and ever since she’s been tackling more indie projects. She most recently helmed 2018’s A Million Little Pieces, and episodes of the series Solos. She also has some experience in the music biopic field. Her film Nowhere Boy is about the teenage years of The Beatles’ John Lennon. That film starred her future husband Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and was penned by Matt Greenhalgh. With Greenhalgh returning to pen Back to Black, would anyone be surprised if Taylor-Johnson also has a role?
It’s going to be very interesting to see who is found to play Winehouse. You have to believe the competition will be fierce.
