Things Back To Black Left Out About Amy Winehouse's True Story

"Back to Black," the biopic of British jazz singer Amy Winehouse, features Marisa Abela's uncanny portrayal. But the film has been criticized for sanitizing the true story. Here are some details of Winehouse's life that the movie left out.
#AmyWinehouse #BacktoBlack #Singer
Early years | 0:00
Musical training | 1:16
Best friends | 1:58
The truth about Blake | 2:46
Famous friends | 3:40
Hospital time | 5:13
Escape to St. Lucia | 5:46
Daddy issues | 6:46
The post-Blake period | 8:03
The last performance | 8:49
Relapse, don't do it | 9:41
Voiceover by: Tim Bensch
Read Full Article: www.grunge.com/1566109/things...

[@GrungeHQ]

What did you think of "Back to Black?"

[@arricammarques1955]

The documentary Amy was superior. Self medicating with substances to cope with emotional issues.

[@TheMomseloc]

It was amazing! There were times when the actress looked so much like her that I gasped out loud! 2 pluses for me were "Leader of the Pack", a song I played over and over again waaay back in the 70's" AND "Ghost Town", (I used to play that one a lot too, still have the CD) .

[@hotbambi2010]

I loved it ❤

[@ekinnard]

Highly sanitized...but Marisa did a great job.

[@VaughnDoyle]

I enjoyed the movie. My only criticism is that it was about 60 percent Blake obsession 40 percent career moments. I would like to have seen more writing and studio sessions with salaam remi and mark ronson. Shoulda called it Back to Blake.

[@juniourst3ven596]

And those are the main reasons why I didn't watch it in all in full to be fair I'm disappointed 😞

[@jmh27]

Also Back to Mitch

[@benjamin6492]

WELL HER ALBUM WAS ALL ABOTUHIM AND EHR LOVE FOR HIM SO ....ITS GOIGN TO BE ALOT ABOUT HIM

[@leakypussy9813]

Even with it being 60/40 I still don’t feel like they went that much in depth with it.

[@I3aMb00]

It would have been better as a short TV show. There’s just too much to unfold and say about her life as an upcoming Artist to music Icon. Wish they explained her child some more. Even her own mother was cast aside until the end when she won her latest Grammy

[@salemlee2592]

I wish they’d give the actress a break cause it’s not like she wrote the script or anything she just followed what the directors and writers did it’s her job

[@ekinnard]

she did okay!

[@Cylwik]

Very shallow picture of Amy. With censored version of her father.

[@Imreallyboredsick]

1:06 No Amy WAS expelled from the Sylvia Young Theatre School. In a BBC women's hour interview around 2003/4, she directly stated she was expelled because academically, she wasn't getting the results that the school wanted. There's even a line in 'Rehab' that goes "didn't get a lot in class, but I know it don't come in a shot glass." The school and her father would deny that because they don't want to admit they kicked out one of the greatest singers of all time and to stop more bad press for Amy, respectively.

[@territmoderitmo9190]

I don’t like the movie. Documentary “Amy” is way better

[@jmh27]

Facts!

[@markushansen6866]

Mabye because thats real photos and videos from Amy? 🧐😂 Back to black is a movie. Not everything can be in the movie

[@territmoderitmo9190]

@@markushansen6866 What? 😂🤓 Maybe its because movie is vanilla shite

[@markushansen6866]

@@territmoderitmo9190 its not… mabye to you… but idc if its not 100% right. If you need it 100% Watch the Amy documantary 😂

[@4050322]

You must watch it first

[@anniemartinez7127]

The fact that it didn't even show her writing her music (besides that 3 min scene of her writing what is it about men) or her with her producers. There was that whole scene of her with her nan singing body and soul by Tony Bennett and they didn't even show the part of her life where she actually recorded with Tony and how incredible that was for Amy to record with her IDOL. It didn't show how truly funny she was, how she was at the height of her fame when she was heavily addicted, it also kind of romanticized Blake, and it didn't show how truly awful he was for her. it makes me so mad and angry. I'm so sorry Amy :(

[@its_eli]

They missed the mark with this film. Did not understand the casting, the pacing, etc. The mystery and depth to Winehouse' life was not remotely reflected. It was frustrating to watch.

[@alisongarcia3476]

Horrible movie. They acted like her father didn’t exploit her

[@markushansen6866]

Your loss

[@Regina_Phalange__]

They did the same with the Britney movie. So bad.

[@aneirathomas4955]

He didn't be fr where are you getting all this from you've never met them in your life

[@ontheroadhome4796]

Anyone with a clear understanding of enabling a person with addiction issues. Can see that he was doing just that. Let her have her addictions that way he can pull the wool over her eyes and get himself signed as executor of her estate and get everything when she dies. I think that too was his biggest issue with Blake fear that he would be the one that would be the person everything would be left to in the event of her death.

[@ciag1988]

Her father is something else I tell u....smh

[@hsugraduation2103]

Yes, the movie sanitized Blake a lot.

[@CheekyMofo7722]

How about telling the story of Blake stealing money from Prince at his live 21 shows in London 2007? So many true stories were not included in this film which is a real shame.

[@markushansen6866]

This is a movie about AMY NOT BLAKE!

[@Srs-zb5qx]

Her dad killed her. He was the one that told the media where she was when she would go to rehabs and that’s why she always left them. He sold is daughter out for cash.

[@philippphilipp624]

No he didn't. Yes it was wrong visiting her with camera crew without her knowing, which she probably didn't want. But Amy never said she left them. I bet she knows her dad better than you and knows deep down he care so much abt her that he fought hard to save her from drug and destrotive marriage. Supported her during toxic media intrusion. Wanted better for her, hence she maintained their good relationship till her passing.

[@Srs-zb5qx]

@@philippphilipp624 Amy did say in a interview that she leaves rehab when the press finds her, as well when her addictions first started her mother and label told her to go to rehab and her father told her she’s fine and should tour. The. She came out with rehab “and if my daddy thinks I’m fine”.

[@philippphilipp624]

@@Srs-zb5qx but never said she left her family, her dad admitted he told her he think she's alright 'at the time.' Amy was not using hard drug before, but got introduced to it by blake, after her 1st album, she still went to rehab for 15 mins, but does not think she can go for 72 days, she then produced her rehab album without rehab. In her troubling marital period when she was affected much, her dad supported she goes to rehab. She's in rehab during her passing. For her dad maybe he shouldn't have left his family when she was only 9yrs. It does have its effect. But they greatly love each other, I believe.

[@Srs-zb5qx]

@@philippphilipp624 her last concert that bombed she didn’t want to do. She got super drunk to get out of it and her father drove her to the airport. Her dad killed her for cash and for his last name. He also tried to get Amy to get him a record deal.

[@ontheroadhome4796]

I kind of think that he did cause problems for her. It's strange how he always seemed to look the other way when she was growing up. She was still a minor and he obviously didn't curb her from having addictions or beginning addictions when she was younger. He knew she was drinking. She sat right in front of her family drinking and then they tried to act like it was all someone else's fault. She had an addictive personality. Her dad should not have been trying to sell his little girl out by letting the media know where she was at. That isn't caring for and loving your daughter. He wanted to be known as her dad. And make money from her likeness etc. Shame on him!!!

[@jyce7375]

The actress portraying her is 27. That’s the same age Amy passed away. This isn’t the 90s or early 00s anymore where biopics were actually good. Nowadays writers, directors and heck even Family members will do anything to water down the truth about these celebrity biopics. Michael Jackson’s is coming out about a year from now and even with his family involved with the movie, I don’t think his is gonna be as good either.

[@sistamaryclarence]

True, definitely haven’t seen a good in theaters biopic in forever .. the few biopics I’ve liked recently were tv premieres. 2024 is definitely 0-2 with biopics starting with the horrible Bob Marley one 😩🤦🏾‍♀️

[@jyce7375]

@@sistamaryclarence Me and my fiancé saw that one and I can’t argue with that, my man. 😂😭

[@soniatorres5227]

Very sad the way she died . Such a talent . I haven’t been to the movies in ages . I haven’t seen it . Too bad she is gone . I remember being sad when I heard the news because I really thought she would beat her addictions but it really wasn’t a surprise either . I hope Amy is at peace 🕊️ now

[@TheRandomChatSeries]

She should still be here ❤ I miss her so much.

[@sciencenotsrigma]

It’s sad that the movie is not a fitting tribute to Amy. It’s so sad that she almost made it. This is a frequent pattern, in the recovery field I’m in. A little known fact that might help people with Substance Use Disorder more than education about tolerance (which most know) is that the brain doesn’t recover from addiction as quickly as people’s tolerance drops. Because of this, the addiction sufferer needs to take more of the substance to achieve the desired effect, even though their body can’t handle it. Your brain will tell you that you need, and can handle, more than your body and/or Central Nervous System, in fact, can. You may not feel drunk or high, but drinking or using more is extremely dangerous, after a period, or periods, of abstinence.

[@aneirathomas4955]

I hope you okay proud of you ❤

[@magdap379]

I haven’t seen the movie yet (can’t wait!) but am I the only one who thinks that the actress looks just like Brittney Spears?!

[@cassielevett2695]

i thought this, its the smile

[@hotbambi2010]

Such a great film I’m obsessed

[@sabine.6425]

The movie was kinda unnescesary bc it didnt show the true essence of amy , just copied some if the already existing clips of her. tho the scenes with her grandma were new to me.

[@elizabethmcaloon2402]

Heartbreaking poor Amy needed help. Rip 🙏

[@davidthomas-ot4cl]

The movie is good, I really enjoyed it and Marissa gives a great performance of Amy. It does however give a kind impression of Blake and Mitch which isn't accurate.

[@nancygee3137]

He dad was a jerk. what a shame.

[@catmejia6109]

The actress was EXCELLENT ❤❤❤ we know it wasn’t 100% accurate but it was not that bad, I’m glad I saw it as I’ve been waiting for a while to see it

[@RudyAdrian]

I thought Back to Black was FAR MORE TRUTHFUL AND ACCURATE than many other biopics such as Bohemian Rhapsody, Sully, Money Ball or Blackberry.

[@user-us5pv8zw3z]

We already have an award winning documentary, and we have her music. That’s enough.

[@SavannahHybridCubs]

She looks like Brittany Spears dressing up like Amy

[@HurricanePatrick]

You can only cram so much in a 2 hour flick

[@katherineknapp4370]

🙏🙌

[@5Rays]

She must have been grieving Cynthia on top of other things. In the opening sing-a-long, the actor playing Mitch danced quite camp-like, which was slightly disconcerting, after which his performance shored up. When Jack O'Connell appeared as Blake he was very natural and worked well with the lead actress, I think they both did great acting jobs and you believed in them. I preferred the more macho Blake, not during the camp-song-miming scene in the rough pub, with guys drinking beer and playing pool in the background. Real Amy's voice sent shivers down my spine, and I wish someone could have spoken to her as a friend from the heart about not going where angels fear to tread. She wanted to be a mother, but drink, drugs and the wrong diet would make it very difficult to fall pregnant. She wanted to be the mum to the little girl in the shop scene, which felt like the little girl's family must surely be evangelical? There were some leaps required by the viewers during the film. The irony of 'drugs are for mugs', she perishes, whilst Blake lives on and as I understand had a child with Sarah. Amy got great tunes out of their dodgy love dynamic and traumas, but isn't here to hear her own magic, whereas we can still tune in. People in the cinema said sad and tragic. There were moments of humour in the script, I'd like to have heard more of that subtle humour. The ending seemed like the budget was running thin and no mention of Blake on those end statements. Maybe there could have been more pathos here and there, even a cemetery scene or image? I haven't seen the Amy documentary, so it will be interesting to compare.

[@knipsi37]

I could not agree more!!! The movies was inaccurate on so many levels.

[@christinamorales6887]

I would have liked more on her career it just seemed the focus on her addictions

[@yatithebeast]

I liked the movie, but I didn’t like how they positively portrayed her father as a loving and doting father. The guy was a monster who cared more about money than his own daughter.

[@kerrysilverthorn6513]

Havent seen the movie , but the world has lost a real talent ...

[@MysticalStarletXOXOOX]

I thought that it was something I’d watch on lifetime. The actress was too soft to play Amy and it was embarrassing to watch her try to impersonate the little artistic twitch that Amy had in her shoulder. They left out way too much. It probably should’ve been either a longer movie. Lady Gaga would’ve killed it if she played Amy. I just hope they make another movie and put everything in there that they left out. There is even more to her and Blake. Or… perhaps a miniseries since it’s a long story, although she died young.

[@margaritalikethedrink1041]

So grateful to @friendlyjordies for exposing the shitty judge too as well as the Injustice of this whole situation

[@user-fu2mi1nd5l]

The main thing they left out is that Amy is now gaga

[@MrCozzie28]

The greatest tragedy is not that Amy Winehouse is dead but that Pete Doherty is still alive.

[@keylanicanton5574]

I my opinion I feel that the movie was too rushed I just got done watching the movie why the beginning is starting when she was a teen like go all the way back to where she was a child

[@lolafairchild88]

This movie looks awful....this director keeps ruining movies.

[@markushansen6866]

No one asked

[@docpalazola491]

Mitch.....getting Rich. How much money did he get?

[@nobodyimportant7967]

Back to Black could've been WAY more successful but no... this is the work of fart they could come up with. I won't support such a money grab and yes Amy would love a biopic BUT it's not expressive enough. It doesn't feel like Amy Winehouse. It feels like Amy Housewine. Tf they do her like this 😒

[@nobodyimportant7967]

It's successful enough for people who are fine with a shallow biopic. I needed a deep one. This wasn't it; for me personally

[@markushansen6866]

Your loss then 😂

[@nobodyimportant7967]

@@markushansen6866 I didn't lose anything. 🤣

[@cassiecarpenter]

T R A S H

[@kitti3k0ko42]

I thought bad things about mitch too, until i read his book he wrote titled "Amy my daughter" i love amy winehouse she's my all time favorite, but mitch went thru alot trying to get Amy clean. He loved his daughter and took care of her. Nobody is perfect

[@michaelias_]

Why use that picture as the thumbnail? People are making this movie sound worse than it actually is smh.

[@Consc1511]

The movie doesn’t even get basic facts right

[@markushansen6866]

@@Consc1511a lot of it was right. But everything can’t be 100% right anyway so its ok because this is only a movie so… yeah.

[@arikaelizenberry6877]

​@@markushansen6866 So? It's a biopic. It should contain biographical, factual evidence about her life and not nonsense from someone's imagination.

[@markushansen6866]

@@arikaelizenberry6877 oh... there's a lot of truth in the movie too. everything is not right. everything can't be right. if they were to include everything that happened in amy's life the film would have been 10 years long. would you watch a 10 year long movie? no... if you're going to be so damn right then go watch the amy documentary instead of sitting here whining

[@jenniferhavlisch1940]

They could have chosen someone who at least looks like Amy, her energy is nothing like Amys either. No way to relate. Im thiking Not. Her greatest love introduced her to her second greatest love that killed her. Tell the truth. RIP

[@aneirathomas4955]

There's more to acting someone than just looking like them

[@Rose-oq2hn]

The actress looks nothing like her

[@MegaCunnie]

Looks terrible.

[@kathleenthomason3669]

This movie is a farce Someone’s going to make money from a talented artist and make a garbage bio pic with no effort based on facts. Nerdy lazy pic for such an authentic artist.

[@niambidavis4295]

The movie was absolute trash, it really was, Im pretty sure her cheeks were slighty chubby, I felt like her hairstylists was messy, I felt like they focused on the toxic men in her life, if you are gonna do a biopic on someone please do it correctly. This is up there with the BoB Marley One Love

[@MariaMendoza-zp3ii]

First of all the girl is playing Amy winehouse needs to go she's no good she doesn't look like her so you need to look at rumer Willis she will play a good anyway else think about that person get the one on TV now off

[@scorpiorising4242]

I won’t be watching it at all number one because the woman in the movie used her own voice and not Amy Winehouse. One of the most unique things about Amy Winehouse was her voice. I would not want to hear somebody else sing her song so I have no desire to see it for that simple reason but I can also tell that the movie wasn’t done right just from the little bit of previous so I won’t be watching it at all. I’ll wait for somebody else to play Amy Winehouse and do it better and I’ll wait for somebody else to write a better script and I’ll watch it then, I won’t watch this at all and I hope the movie completely fails I’m not even gonna watch you review but I just want to leave my comment because I can’t stand the woman playing her. She looks nothing like Amy Winehouse. I believe this movie was made just to get this woman’s singing career going kinda like they did with Jennifer Lopez and Selena. They just use anybody but this thing about Selena is Jennifer Lopez new better than to use her voice this woman didn’t you’re playing a legendary singer? In my opinion why would you use your own disgusting voice to play somebody else who’s all legit? I have no respect for this woman. No respect for the actress. No respect for the people who made the movie and wrote the movie let somebody else do the movie.

[@freddyfurrah3789]

She just didn't care.