British actor Jack O’Connell has recently cleared the air after a wave of disapproval hit Back to Black, a newly released biographical film that traces the history of the late singer Amy Winehouse. The actor, who portrays Winehouse’s former husband Blake Fielder-Civil in the movie, is endorsing both the project and his representation of it despite the allegations that the movie “cleans” some parts of the couple’s difficult relationship.
O’Connell, who gained his fame with the roles in Unbroken and Skins, claimed that he was very much aware and careful of the responsibility that comes with the role, especially the respect part. Moreover, he also had a chance to meet Fielder-Civil in person during the filming of the movie so that he could understand the perspective of the person and their relationship better.
Actor Spoke with Fielder-Civil for Preparation
O’Connell stated in a recent interview that he had had a conversation with Blake Fielder-Civil alone before the filming. O’Connell emphasized that during his talk, Fielder-Civil only had words of praise for Winehouse and he showed real emotions when talking about their past together.
“He was extraordinarily forthcoming,” O’Connell said. “He was very sensitive in acknowledging his love, the one he had for Amy notwithstanding all that they had been through together.”
The actor further clarified that after listening to Fielder-Civil’s personal account, he managed to imbue the character with both depth and humanity, though the perception of the man’s reputation is very starkly different in the public domain.
Film Gets Negative Feedback About the Plot
Back to Black, which was first seen by the audience in April 2024, collected various responses from the film critics and the public. Some of the film’s reviews are marked by a claim that the film has been concentrating on the lighter shades of Winehouse’s personal life that were not so public while they secretly narrated Fielder-Civil’s role in her life as highly wrought and gentle as the audience imagined he could have been.
Following the remarks, O’Connell supported the artistic freedom shown in the film. He disproved the idea that the film Back to Black was a regular biopic or documentary.
“We are making a movie that is for celebrating Amy,” he said. “It’s a story of morals or law, it’s not. We didn’t come here to blame people. We came here to give people a reminder of her great talent.”
Blake Fielder-Civil Calls the Film “Therapeutic”
Fielder-Civil himself appeared in an unexpected way – speaking out in a very personal way about the movie. In a TV interview earlier this year, he claimed that the movie was “therapeutic” for him and revealed that the movie was a very emotional journey for him. He particularly liked that the film portrayed her art and vulnerability, rather than her controversial and addicted self.
Regarding the film stirring up old demons, Fielder-Civil did acknowledge he was in support of the movie’s mood and message after all.
Winehouse Fans Remain Divided
Despite the intentions of the actor, criticism has emerged from Amy Winehouse’s fan clubs with the way the film shows the star’s last years. They don’t see her addiction struggle and the difficulties of being a world-famous singer being realistically raised. They believe those issues are rather diminished in the film.
Others, who have a different opinion, have labeled the movie as a great piece of art since it tells the story of Winehouse’s strength in music and love against the backdrop of her downfall rather than turning it into a flash point of attention.
A New Chapter for O’Connell
In the case of Jack O’Connell, Back to Black is a film that represents both his life and career. He has never denied that playing the role of one of the most gossiped about figures in the life of Amy Winehouse will not be simple but still, he was certain of the project.
“My honesty was the tool I used to do my utmost,” he commented. “If it attracts new discussions about the type of person Amy really was and the artist she was, and what she contributed to music, then I’m pleased to have been a part of that.”
Back to Black will soon have its theater release and people will also be able to watch it on the internet, however, discussions about the movie and in particular O’Connell’s part are not getting nowhere near extinction anytime soon.
