Rami Malek was reluctant to work in gay drama 'The Man I Love'
Los Angeles, May 21
Hollywood actor Rami Malek wanted to collaborate with Ira Sachs for some time. The actor even went as far as asking his representatives to get him a meeting with the filmmaker.
However, when he got the script for Sachs' next movie, 'The Man I Love', about a New York theater performer navigating life, love and his devotion to his art after being diagnosed with AIDS, Malek admits he hesitated at first, because he was fresh from his Oscar-winning portrayal of Freddie Mercury in 'Bohemian Rhapsody', reports 'Variety'.
"When I read the script, I said, 'I can't do this. There's too many similarities. It could be problematic'",the actor said at a press conference following the film's world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival.
He continued, "There was a certain sense of fear. I started to really think about what I was afraid of. Was it the similarities? Was it the singing? Was it what was going on in the period? I knew I had to address the fear. If there's anything Freddie taught me, it was [to] address the fear".
As per 'Variety', the actor contemplated what to do but, he kept in mind that Sachs "makes unique cinema unlike any other".
He further mentioned, "I knew I was in extraordinary hands, and that if he was choosing me, I could rely on him. Not only to depend on him throughout the film, but to elevate it, to push myself, to force myself to race into that fire".
"When I raced into it, I started to discover that these men were similar, but they were also worlds apart", he added.
Playing Jimmy in 'The Man I Love' would require him to sing on camera again. But those intimate performances weren't like playing the Queen frontman playing to crowds of thousands in 'Bohemian Rhapsody'.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Malek is such a versatile actor! From 'Mr. Robot' to 'Bohemian Rhapsody', he always brings depth to his characters. I'm glad he didn't let fear stop him. AIDS is still a sensitive topic in India, but movies like this can help break the stigma. Hope it releases in India soon! 🙏
Honestly, I think he's overthinking it. Just because both roles involve singing and touch on similar themes doesn't mean they're the same. Freddie Mercury was a rock legend, this is about a theater performer with AIDS. Two very different stories. But I respect his dedication to the craft.
I've been following Ira Sachs' work for years. He makes deeply human films. Malek choosing to work with him is a smart move artistically. In India, we need more filmmakers like Sachs who tell intimate stories about real people. Can't wait to see this at the film festival circuit! 🌟
Malek is right to be cautious. In India, we've seen actors get typecast after playing iconic roles. But I think he's mature enough to handle it. 'Bohemian Rhapsody' was brilliant, and I believe this will be too. Just wish our Bollywood actors would take such risks with challenging roles. 👏
A small concern: Another white man playing a gay character. In India, we tell LGBTQ+ stories with straight actors too, but it's time to give opportunities to queer actors. Malek is talented, no doubt, but representation matters. Hope Hollywood thinks about this more!
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.