Amy Winehouse’s life was a complex world of intense passion, overwhelming turmoil, and an untimely death at the age of 27. A Grammy-winning singer-songwriter, her life’s work left a lasting mark on the music world, and her legacy continues to inspire new generations of fans. A biopic titled Back to Black, directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson, is set to premiere in May 2024, capturing the essence of her remarkable story. The film chronicles Winehouse’s life from her early days as a London jazz musician to her meteoric rise to critical and widespread acclaim.
Marisa Abela will take on the role of Winehouse, with Jack O’Connell playing her notoriously toxic husband Blake Fielder-Civil. The supporting cast includes Eddie Marsan as Winehouse’s father, Mitch, and Lesley Manville as her grandmother, Cynthia. Principal photography for the film began in January 2023, with scenes filmed at iconic London hotspots such as Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club and Winehouse’s old flat in Camden Town.
A Still From Back to Black (Photo: Back to Black)
Taylor-Johnson’s connection to Winehouse began when he was a young man, working at the KOKO club in Camden, where Winehouse would later find inspiration for her music. For Taylor-Johnson, the area became part of Winehouse’s DNA, much like it did for him.
The script was penned by Matt Greenhalgh, known for his work on Film Stars Don’t Die in Liverpool, and features cinematography by Polly Morgan, who has worked on films like Lucy in the Sky and A Quiet Place Part II. With its talented cast, esteemed crew, and meticulous attention to detail, Back to Black promises to be a poignant and charming tribute to Winehouse’s life and legacy. The film’s portrayal of Winehouse’s tumultuous relationship with Fielder-Civil is likely to be a focal point, given the couple’s notorious tumultuous relationship.
