Compared to the original bohemian rhapsody, Eric's version underwent some adaptations.
The main change was to soften the portrayal of Uncle Ya's arrogant and eccentric personality, instead depicting him more as a reticent, introverted, and shy person.
While this did reduce the film's conflict, it allowed for a more authentic representation of the person on screen.
According to interviews with Queen and those close to Uncle Ya, his personality was indeed like that, so there was no need to deliberately exaggerate for dramatic tension.
After the film ended, thunderous applause erupted in the cinema.
The vast majority of attendees today were Queen fans, and the applause, as if costing nothing, lasted for several minutes.
Eric clapped along, his hands starting to hurt, before the sound finally gradually subsided.
Wow!
Wow!
Ha!
But many fans were still shouting, all old rock enthusiasts, people in their forties and fifties, each with energy like twenty-year-old youngsters.
Some even had painted faces and wore headscarves.
Today belonged to them, and it also belonged to Joaquin Phoenix.
His masterful acting was enough to make people overlook his appearance and see him as the living Uncle Ya.
"Hi! Phoenix, as a Queen fan, first of all, I want to thank you for your wonderful performance. Although I'm only 24, don't doubt it, I really am a fan."
Ho ho... The old fans present immediately erupted in cheers.
"How do you feel? Can you share a bit about the film's production process?"
Phoenix smiled somewhat shyly: "It was a magical experience, because we all know the greatness of Queen."
"When I first received the script, my agent told me that Eric Cooper personally nominated me for the role."
"He said there weren't many people in the world who could play this role well, and I was one of them. You know, it feels great to be affirmed."
Eric made a puzzled expression: "Wait, did I say that?"
"I remember my exact words were, 'There aren't many people who can play this role well, so send invitations to all of them, and we'll use whoever has the lowest salary.' Did your agent miss half a sentence?"
Hahaha... Laughter immediately erupted in the audience. Sure enough, Eric Cooper, besides being rich, was famous for his sharp tongue.
He always had witty remarks; it would be a waste for him not to be a talk show host.
When the audience's laughter slightly subsided, Eric added, "But it doesn't matter, after this movie, your salary will definitely surpass theirs."
Hahahahaha... The laughter that had died down surged again.
Phoenix showed a wry smile: "Anyway! I spent a full eight months learning to sing."
"For the final Live Aid concert, the crew used over 3,600 actors. So, I can add a line to my resume: 'Performed a concert for thousands of people.'"
"Then I can also add a line to my resume: 'Gave Joaquin Phoenix a good beating!'" Cate Blanchett quipped.
"Eight months, do you know how I spent those eight months? You procrastinator, it's all your fault!"
"After the box office numbers come out, if it doesn't reach ideal results, you just wait, Phoenix, I'm going to kick your ass!"
The premiere ended amidst laughter and commotion.
Three days later, with the release of the first weekend box office results, Cate Blanchett's idea of kicking ass was destined to fall through.
bohemian rhapsody, as expected, exploded in both box office and critical acclaim, raking in over $77 million.
Queen already had countless fans, and the film's quality was genuinely solid, leading not only old fans to watch it multiple times but also attracting casual viewers.
MGM even launched a publicity machine, orchestrating a renaissance on various radio stations, YouTube, and landmark buildings.
And the fact proved that a good song, even after ten years, is still a good song and will not become outdated with time.
Powerful promotion also helped push the box office even higher.
IMDb opened with an 8.2 rating, which is quite high for a film that isn't purely art-house.
However, what many did not expect was that the score did not decrease as the number of reviewers increased; instead, it rose against the trend.
It climbed from 8.2 to 8.3, and then from 8.3 to its current 8.4.
According to the current situation, it's not impossible for the reputation to continue to rise, reaching 8.7 or 8.8.
The comments below are also very interesting, clearly showing that many older middle-aged people, encountering IMDb for the first time, were voting and rating for their former faith.
"Watching the movie surrounded by a dozen white-haired uncles and aunties, I felt that even though we were decades apart, we shared a period of youth."
"I originally thought that rock and roll, as a movement of action and love, had fallen into a slump with little audience, but this movie showed me hope; the spirit of rock will never die!"
"Can you imagine? My dad dragged me into the cinema. I can't remember how many years ago it was since we last watched a movie together. This feeling is really great."
"An excellent biographical film, both moving and full of fun. Every actor's performance is superb. I have a premonition that Joaquin Phoenix will win this year's Oscar."
"Joaquin Phoenix's performance moved me. His acting is truly amazing, no wonder he spent eight months preparing."
"As a loyal MGM fan, the movie is as great as ever. As long as Eric Cooper's name is in the scriptwriting column, this work has a baseline."
"Agreed! Eric Cooper's script baseline often already exceeds the upper limit of many screenwriters and directors. Give him ten more years, and he will be the undisputed God of Film and Television."
"I'm a woman, and I really want a girlfriend like Mary. Uncle Ya let her down, but I never would!"
"Sis, you're just lusting after Cate Blanchett's body, aren't you?"
... A week later, bohemian rhapsody's rating climbed again, reaching 8.6.
At the same time, the box office also surged, with more and more people drawn into cinemas. North America garnered another $85.5 million, bringing the cumulative box office to over $160 million.
According to current projections from Box Office Mojo, North America is expected to reach $350 million, and the global box office is projected to exceed $750 million.
The film's cost was $65 million, and that was even due to the extensive use of extras.
Usually, using inflatable dummies could save at least $10 million.
However, Eric is now flush with cash, so $10 million is a drop in the bucket. The film's quality is more important and more conducive to winning awards.
He is determined to win next year's Oscar for Best Actor and Best Picture.
And for juno, he must at least help Elizabeth get a Best Actress nomination this time.