MOVIES
Amy Winehouse biopic star Marisa Abela still not satisfying fans
Critics claim the 29-year-old actress does not resemble Winehouse, but there is still hope Marisa Abela will pull it off.
The making of Amy Winehouse biopic ‘Back to Black’ has come under criticism from some fans, as they believe star Marisa Abela doesn’t look like the soul singer, who died at age 27.
When Abela was cast to play the late singer, fans widely protested on social media — especially after rumors that the role could have gone to Lady Gaga.
After continued accusations that the actress didn’t look like Winehouse, Abela appeared on set with a complete costume overhaul, but there has still been much criticism over the whole situation.
In photos taken in London published by TMZ, the actress sported her full Amy Winehouse look, and though the sky-high hair and cat-like eye makeup copied the Winehouse original style, it wasn’t enough to pacify complaints.
“Considering the massive amount of criticism early set photos received in the past few weeks, you might’ve thought the studio would make a tweak or two to Marisa’s makeup or something,” TMZ wrote, “but alas, as seen in these pics, they’re forging ahead with what they got here.”
As for Abela herself, she seemed to approach the role with reverence. She posted an Instagram photo of herself standing in front of a giant Amy Winehouse mural.
“‘And for London. This is for London. Cause Camden Town ain’t burnin down’,” the actress wrote. “I love you, Amy.”
The making of ‘Back to Black’
The film follows the life of Winehouse, from the early challenges of her rise to fame while living in London to her struggles with substance abuse, including a stint in rehab. The photos were snagged from a scene where Winehouse’s on-screen father, played by Eddie Marsan, drops off Abela as Winehouse at a rehabilitation center.
Though there has been widespread criticism of the choice to cast Abela, Winehouse’s real-life father thinks the 29-year-old industry newcomer is a good choice.
“Marisa’s a great choice for the role, even if she doesn’t look exactly like Amy,” said Mitch Winehouse. “Marisa is Marisa and Amy is Amy ... so it’s no big deal if they aren’t mirror images.”
The release date is yet to be determined, but ‘Back to Black’ is rolling on ahead.