"Back to Black": The life of Amy Winehouse

A new movie dramatizes the life and music of British singer Amy Winehouse, the charismatic, multiple-Grammy-winner whose struggles with drugs and alcohol led to her death at the age of 27. Correspondent Seth Doane talks with director Sam Taylor-Johnson about capturing a complex life on film; and with actress Marisa Abela, who describes how she inhabited the role of Winehouse from the inside out.
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[@gailjacobson7088]

She was brilliant. A voice that was gone too soon.

[@vihoglund]

😮😅😮😮😮😅

[@heathermetz6576]

Still miss her soulful singing.

[@thefeldgeister2961]

I've never been one to mourn a celebrity, but I will say that I think losing Amy Winehouse is one of the greatest losses we've ever had in music. She was such a huge talent. So many of these artists/entertainers/performers today are a joke compared to her. I often think about how much great music from her we will never get to hear.

[@Cindypisces]

💯 💯 💯 agree!!!!!!!!!!

[@jenniferhill9924]

1000%

[@RocStarr913]

She didn’t care enough about herself to not do drugs or alcohol. That’s called a waste of skin.

[@Sammy-mp9xn]

She needed to STAY in Rehab. What a Lost soul💔

[@territmoderitmo9190]

Indeed 💔

[@jillv4006]

I have a habit of always discovering incredibly talented female singers after they’ve passed: Patsy Cline, Selena. Amy Winehouse…all with incredible voices and all died tragically and way too young.

[@lynnmoss2127]

Check out Eva Cassidy

[@jillv4006]

@@lynnmoss2127 you’re right. Beautiful voice. Thanks for sharing

[@Maw0]

I have the honor of living in Winchester, Patsy's home town.

[@lionheartroar3104]

I recall how tender and caring Tony Bennett was when it came to Amy..and they made some beautiful music together. Amy was brilliant. Looks like an amazing movie. I might actually step out of the house to see it on the big screen.

[@1982LavenderMiko]

Amy’s voice was phenomenal and she’ll be remembered as a star whose special presence faded away from the spotlight all too soon !!!🦋🌹🦋🌹🦋🌹🦋🌹🦋🌹 Continue to rest peacefully Amy Winehouse Your beautiful presence is still remembered 💋

[@heathermetz6576]

Marisa Abela singing Amy’s songs in the film is amazing.

[@igorschmidlapp6987]

Bull... not even close...

[@zamb323]

@@igorschmidlapp6987She was Great! She didn’t need to sound like her to capture her Magic.

[@KidaMilo89]

It was alright. Could've been worse.

[@mongoslade277]

Her voice isn't deep enough

[@dianes4858]

How I miss her voice! What a legend!

[@Seekthetruth3000]

Conclusion: Stay away from drugs and toxic people.

[@grioulaloula8594]

Thanks! Please write and sing on a good album.

[@KidaMilo89]

Sadly, some people are glued to chaos. They think they deserve it, or get a thrill out of it. Amy has self-esteem issues, I imagine she believed she didn't deserve anyone better.

[@Maw0]

Clearly you've never had to struggle because it's easier said than done.

[@Seekthetruth3000]

For a lot of people, life is a series of struggles. Drugs add to the confusion and make life a lot more difficult.@@Maw0

[@LizetteBetancourt333]

@@Maw0 Right? Same thought. It’s like a drug counselor who never took a drug in his/her life, just read books in college e going to “cure” you.

[@2034916]

I thought the actress was amazing. I’d see it again just for her. Great performance.

[@zamb323]

I highly recommend this Film have seen twice Marisa captures Amy’s essence Beautifully.

[@juliangarcia2010]

🙋🏻‍♂️I saw this film already here in the states and I loved it, actress Marisa Abela did a great job with the vocals and acting….you really felt the pain Amy Winehouse went through in the film. Superb job director Sam Taylor Johnson.👌🎬🎞️📽️🎥

[@___beyondhorizon4664]

I think Amy was as talented as Edith Piaf! If you don't know French singer Zaz, she is as talented as Amy and Piaf. Zaz writes her own songs too.

[@JJ-xl7ou]

I see the movie next Monday. Can't wait!

[@jeanneanderson3367]

I remember discovering Amy Winehouse when I was on a medical leave in 2007. An incredible talent that left this world too soon. Still listen to her music.

[@JJ-xl7ou]

What a voice she had!

[@joshuaW5621]

The movie made me fall in love. Oh how I wish Amy was still alive.

[@maxpatrickhaynes2194]

I CA abt believe it’s been 13 yrs!! Such a talent. Looking forward to the film!!

[@chrisfinch8637]

And I can still remember how distraught I was, at the thought of losing her, too….😢

[@stealthfighter2923]

Usually Biopics feature an actor that actually looks like the person they’re portraying. By no stretch of the imagination can this chick ever be mistaken for Amy

[@emiliobello2538]

Anyone saw the documentary Amy?

[@mereldevisser7086]

No but I want to see it though do you know if it’s good?

[@emiliobello2538]

@@mereldevisser7086 it won an Oscar

[@mongoslade277]

An OUTSTANDING piece

[@fromtheinvisibledeskofmiked]

Such an incredible talent, long live Amy ♥

[@LizetteBetancourt333]

I miss her..what a talent.

[@dianafromcalifornia5127]

I admired Amy W. So much. Grateful for this. Healing to think we can honor her. Wish we could have saved her.

[@christophergonzalez1454]

so excited to watch the film, but idk how i feel about the actress singing - i want to hear amy's voice, so perhaps they are both in there.

[@12345682900]

Still hard to even say her name without crying.

[@lpc61]

cant wait to see this movie!

[@checkyourhead9]

I was so devastated when she died. The media was BRUTAL TO HER. ABSOLUTELY BRUTAL

[@AA-qb7ni]

The AMY documentary was perfect in depicting her life and who she was. We really don't need another movie on her.

[@evg70grl]

I cant wsit to see it! Love love Amy Winehouse im.glad someone made a movie of her live and beautiful voice for us fans. Her music will live on forever ❤️RIP AW

[@KCNwokoye]

Wow What a stunning performance by an incredibly talented Actor - Marissa. What a fantastic piece of Art. Can't wait to see it.

[@gwynnielsen5081]

It is so sad that someone so talented didn't stay around long enough.

[@maxlinder5262]

Seems like an incredible story ...😊

[@shotgunsnare]

This actress doesnt capture amys incredible vocal tone Sad really should have lipsynced this ..thats just me but after watching this clip i wont watch the film

[@DavidMiller-kf1ss]

Documentary was enough for me Rip, all.❤

[@MrKarmapolice97]

I watched this movie last night and it was amazing, the actress did such a great job I cried it was really emotional. Made me miss Amy so much more she was a brilliant light that shined to bright and burned out really fast, she is amongst the stars entertaining the universe on the other side!

[@mililaniman]

I enjoy the music of Amy Winehouse. I look forward to seeing this biopic.

[@Sunshine-do3yv]

What a no crap kind of woman.....singer.artist......really a true rocker, talent......i admire her. Balls. She made a stamp.....hope youy still rockin it out Ms. Lady........🫂🫂🫂🫂🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧😎😎😎

[@jamesdooling4139]

I listen to the song 'Back to Black' every time I'm sitting outside, drinking and smoking, and waiting on a delivery driver. They ALL know Amy Winehouse. ❤

[@heatherroberson1648]

I agree. So painful. Thanks for bringing her back.

[@Cheers_Warren]

We loved the movie. Not a former fan so coming in fresh we really enjoyed getting a peek into her life . Marisa Abele was fantastic, great performances! Cheers Warren

[@killerlifealbum]

Great film. I’ve studied Amy a lot but this film was made by people who really respected her And beautifully made 🎉

[@montemccarty6512]

The best art, comedy,. music comes from pain. How a gifted person can turn that pain into something beautiful.

[@santanaross9289]

Amy Winehouse Forever 🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

[@sherri.]

There’s already an Amy Winehouse movie, made in 2015.

[@traydaniel0403]

But that’s actually a documentary film about her life called “Amy”. Not a biopic drama film. There’s a difference. It did however won the Oscars for Best Documentary Film though

[@igorschmidlapp6987]

@@traydaniel0403 Biopics are how people get "history" now, regardless of how true it is. The LEM "argument" in "Apollo 13" NEVER HAPPENED (Ron Howard added it for "dramatic effect", as if the real situation wasn't dramatic enough), and historians are ripping "Napoleon" apart. I'll stick to documentaries...

[@erikluzparada9964]

Honestly it's the only film about Amy that matters, this movie feels awkward, just a money grab. People still taking advantage of her even on these days.

[@traydaniel0403]

@@igorschmidlapp6987There’s a difference. A biopic film when actors playing the legendary singer. There was a documentary film called “Amy” with the real Amy Winehouse and her family

[@AlyssaBoyett-lb1vc]

My mom and I wanna see it on Friday.

[@u.s.family9279]

Amy Winehouse Unique Great Talent.

[@orion6372]

She was healthy and full figured at the start of that career....would have loved to see THAT Amy

[@michellejames5953]

Can’t wait to see it!

[@aca_77]

Any would have hated this.

[@alexd1121]

No offense but the actress is the exact opposite of Amy. Sweet, smiling, cute and round faced with muscular legs reminiscent of Jaimie Spears. Amy had a steely look with edgy attitude and long skeletal legs.

[@emilyjohnson5032]

Actress looks nothing like Amy, I agree!!!

[@TheEyeSeesAll]

Probably why she’s an actress

[@kristacampbell5784]

The definitive biopic on Amy was already made by a24. Amy's father profited off of her addiction and misery, and I beg anyone tempted to see this to see the Academy Award-winning documentary "Amy" before THINKING about seeing this in theaters. Shame on Sam Taylor and all of those involved. Let Amy rest.

[@hannahpearl9673]

I believe in a way that Amy would be proud of this. As a long time fan of hers I only wish she could have pushed past all of her demons and created more magic for all of us to enjoy.

[@tammylewis2408]

Same with Janis Joplin. Amy was this generation's Janis. Both women produced such great music and were taken too soon by drugs, alcohol, and toxic people.

[@___beyondhorizon4664]

I think Amy was as talented as Edith Piaf! If you don't know French singer Zaz, she is as talented as Amy and Piaf. Zaz writes her own songs too.

[@comeagyn]

​@@tammylewis2408and both Janis and Amy had hard energy and a tough soft demeanor. This girl has teenage Britney Spears energy dressed up like a cosplay version of Amy. Tragic. I doubt Amy would be proud of a "Spice Girl" looking baby Spice actress portraying her.

[@kimberknutson831]

God, I love this show. Thank you. : ) 💚

[@Fnolaco]

Ansiosa para ver aqui no Brasil. Amo demais a Amy❤

[@JB4C89]

Let her rest

[@dr.aniasara7038]

There are some stories that need to be told, especially when all we hear is the media's version. Good filmmakers are doing better and deeper homework so we can know the truth, or at least get closer and a better understanding of those lives that impact history.

[@tammylewis2408]

Elvis is a great example of that homework. For example, the Graceland sets from the 50s to the 70s were accurate. and told Elvis' story throughout his life and career. Graceland was home to Elvis, where he could be himself with friends and family separate from the public persona. Baz Luhrmann is a stickler for detail, and he accomplished that. Next, there will be separate movies about the Beatles. I genuinely hope they do justice to John and George's legacies because many of us have seen Beatles movies told from the perspective of the ones who knew them, and not all of it represents an accurate and/or balanced picture of the Fab Four.

[@chrystal.clairtv7532]

But I don't think we'll ever know what really happened in Amy Winehouse's life that led her to such utter self-destruction...😏 #sad

[@freestyleval0886]

Great movie!!!!! Love you, Amy

[@ofaz6300]

A must see Movie

[@nanlev613]

Such a sad story!

[@DavAlva]

I love you Amy❤

[@rhonakirabo9352]

Her statement on someone trying to mold her into a big triangle with the gesture, is really telling, hmmm....

[@CooksFSH]

The movie no one asked for... this is gonna bomb at the box office

[@armandoucles5346]

This is why it's very dangerous to make biopics of famous people, especially someone as legendary as Amy Winehouse. To do a biopic, I want the family to be 100 percent behind or don't even do it. The Oscar winning "Amy" documentary was fantastic. That's the only Amy Winehouse movie I need to watch.

[@user-ur2wd8du4z]

Long live Amy´s talent but this movie WAS SO BAD!!!

[@TheRandomChatSeries]

I miss her so much❤. I would trade every hit to have her here still. I wish she never met Blake. I just wish would of said I'm stopping the drugs and drinking so i can focus on my carrer. Sucks she died two years after my birthday.

[@charlenemack7040]

I didn’t realize that she was a member of the 27 club. I’m 72 so many died decades ago that were 27 years old. I will let you look them up.

[@mongoslade277]

After Amy died her Mom said, "I told her not to join that club". Yeah. That's the kind of people she had

[@midday2706]

If only the movie Back to Black would have focused on Amy’s upbringing and wonderful lyric writing abilities and amazing vocals. They basically ruined Amy Winehouse character and talent by basing this movie on the blame game and alcoholism. As if we didn’t already know that. Can you imagine if the movie “Selena” would have been based only on her killer Fan Club Manager Yolanda Saldívar and Selena’s Father? It wouldn’t have done Selena’s character, persona and talent any justice. It’s an awful shame they couldn’t give Amy Winehouse peace and rest by at least making this Back to Black movie about her childhood , happier moments of her life and her music making talent.

[@jenniferhill9924]

God how I love this woman. She left too soon. I don’t care that this film isn’t as good as the doc. I just want as much Amy as she wanted alcohol, drugs, and Blake.

[@joelds1751]

Wished she had someone to go to, a shoulder to cry on, a loving friend if not a therapist. Her talent made her well known but applies to anyone. Seems like some prefer death rather than face the pain, which you have to face eventually.

[@gilbertokoxx3559]

she needed a man "stronger than her", as she herself said, but unfortunately, she fell for a waste of skin who helped to destroy her life

[@jillballantyne1870]

SHE LOOKS LIKE BRITNE SPEARS-

[@___beyondhorizon4664]

This song was a major part of my life in 2011-2012. I think Amy was as talented as Edith Piaf! If you don't know French singer Zaz, she is as talented as Amy and Piaf. Zaz writes her own songs too.

[@traydaniel0403]

I still wish Sam Taylor Johnson could’ve gave the role of the legendary late Queen of Soul/Jazz to Laurie Jauregui instead (in my opinion)

[@nashshaffer6235]

She should have went to rehab 😢

[@haydnstv]

She went several times

[@yvonneplant9434]

But, in the end, it never worked. She was so talented. 😢

[@mongoslade277]

She did. Her own father took her out of rehab. Amy's people ain't 💩

[@ericlarsen1920]

I'm not sure I see the need for a biopic this soon after her death.

[@TheEyeSeesAll]

Yeah. Gotta wait at least 63.476 years or it’s in bad taste

[@lsimon343]

I don’t know how the hell Sam Taylor Johnson got Aaron Taylor Johnson

[@giastephenson9958]

Nobody gets the triangle reference?? Her record company pressured her to become a triangle and she said no???? 😮

[@mjas5452]

She looks so much like Rachel Weisz.. If they redid the mummy... Well just call on her. I think Amy if she where alive now.. would be talking about her 3rd marriage, jail, rehab and her kids whom she loves but is in a custody battle with her ex. It would of taken a lot of rehab, soul searching and maturity to extrapolate Amy from her demons.. and she would of started in one American horror series...just saying . Sad she is gone but the legend lives on.

[@lsimon343]

People are mad because Amy was not respected by the British press they mercilessly abused her, and in my opinion, the same way they pushed lady die. They contributed to her downfall the hypocritical British is what people are complaining about should’ve just lived in the United States onto Ireland or anywhere else except London because really crapped on her. She was too good for that town.

[@lauradetommasi9179]

Reminds me Janis Joplin

[@patriciafeeley7997]

Such a talent , sad

[@BrattyBetty]

Another one lost to the 27 Club The “27 Club” refers to celebrities, mostly musicians, who died at the age of 27. This coincidence adds a layer of intrigue and infamy to already tragic events. Members of the club include: Kurt Cobain, Brian Jones, Jim Morrison, Amy Winehouse, Robert Johnson, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, and more ..

[@DavidEVogel]

Isn't the life of every alcoholic "tragic?" Whether you are a star or a regular person with a 9-5 job.

[@LABusDiaries]

She doesn't look like Amy

[@JoyTothesummer]

Sad

[@renefranzen1509]

Will I drink a lot one time and I felt like I was going to die and she died of alcohol poisoning I was there I was pretty close to that I only have a couple drinks now down at the park I don't drink in my apartment because I will get thrown out cuz I'll just get it'll make it makes you miserable when you're by yourself you just feel like you miss you like your it's not a pleasant feeling but if you're around a few people it's great but drinking by yourself I think she was spent a lot of time alone and nothing she would suck them down and her writing was pretty good I don't know if she wrote all her music but any musicians should have to write their own music I mean these people who really don't write their songs I don't believe in that they shouldn't be supported you should have to write your own music it's like do you see a football player getting credit for other football players actions

[@61505]

Amy Winehouse was mistreated by the press.

[@elsiebert2273]

Amy's death was predictable. I could see it coming, sadly.

[@hsugraduation2103]

They did absolve Blake way too much.

[@tommymorano7254]

Why are these two sitting so far away from each other? Dumb! Amy was amazing talent and I loved her music.

[@marcialguity5804]

If she's hated so much, why not drink?

[@christianphifer]

First.

[@user-yh3uk4xl8j]

Why a triangle 🔺️ 👁just saying 🤔 🤫💋

[@chrisjames3087]

Another member of the 27 club. What is it about that age and fragile yet uber creative people?

[@elle50472]

Amy wasn’t strong enough to get & stay in mental health help. Her story is NOT new. To the music business, she’s just another throwaway entertainer, a dime a dozen. Sad story that will keep repeating with every future generation.

[@shaunkenneally7597]

Sex drugs and rock n roll , claims another one. RIP Amy

[@123kbkgraphx]

She looks just like her! Not.

[@Aksk907]

Sam please stop immediately

[@philvie]

Should have went to rehab

[@Thunderchild-gz4gc]

No no no

[@texasmade9090]

She did

[@drewslife3602]

This is who Aaron Taylor Johnson is married to?… yikes

[@amonrodriguez3518]

Looks terrible, and she looks nothing like Amy

[@jamiemacdonald436]

Hooray!

[@LABusDiaries]

I agree. Is it that hard to find a similar looking actor?

[@tammylewis2408]

Laurence Fishburne played Ike Turner and didn't look like the real Ike, but he captured his menacing, controlling, and abusive nature. Fishburne played his part so well that I was so upset when his character beat up Tina (Angela Bassett) in those scenes.

[@jusletursoulglobaby]

🙄 it's called ACTING. this isn't an impersonator showing up at your home for a bday party

[@amonrodriguez3518]

@@tammylewis2408 ya but he’s different on account uh, he’s actually talented

[@JohnBock-nq9lr]

She was terrible