254. George Michael - Freedom Uncut; movie review

 

GEORGE MICHAEL - FREEDOM UNCUT

Cert 15

108 mins

BBFC advice: Contains very strong language

Today I have been blasting out the best of George Michael's catalogue at full volume on my car's music system.

I had forgotten just how good his songs were before watching this documentary made by Michael and his great friend, David Austin.

The movie was initially shown on Channel 4 after his death but caused a bit of a stir because of its editing.

This is an uncut version, delving deep into the life of the tragic star, accompanied by the music which has become his legacy.

Austin's film traces Michael's carer from the early days in Wham! with his close friend Andrew Ridgeley.

At that time, he knew he wanted to be a star but he did not have the complications of having come out.

Michael's sexuality is a key element to Freedom Uncut - in particular, his intense relationship with Anselmo, the great love of his life who died from Aids.

Indeed, he talks about keeping their relationship secret from his parents while he was suffering the devastation of knowing he was dying.

This is very much George Michael how he and his entourage would like to see him - a sensitive genius who was not averse to making fun of himself.

Meanwhile, his legacy is his music. His peers give him very high praise as a writer and performer.

He may have had his flaws but who hasn't - the world is certainly poorer for his passing far too early.

Freedom Uncut doesn't tell us much we didn't already know but it is worth reminding us of a great talent.

Reasons to watch: Brilliant tunes

Reasons to avoid: Does not add too much to the story we know well

Laughs: None

Jumps: None

Vomit: None

Nudity: None

Overall rating: 7/10

Did you know? In the mid 80s’, Barry Manilow’s song writers claimed that George Michael plagiarised the melody of “Last Christmas” from the hit song “Can’t Smile Without You”. The two parties eventually settled out of court and George Michael needed to donate the first year of the Last Christmas’s royalties to the Band Aid charity. 

The final word. David Austin: "George and I used to fight as kids, and even as adults. But we were incredibly close. Music, family, close friendships — those are the things in life that fill the void." The New York Times

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