British actor Jack OโConnell 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 Winehouseโs former husband Blake Fielder-Civil in the movie, is endorsing both the project and his representation of it despite the allegations that the movie โcleansโ some parts of the coupleโs difficult relationship.
OโConnell, 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
OโConnell stated in a recent interview that he had had a conversation with Blake Fielder-Civil alone before the filming. OโConnell 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.
โHe was extraordinarily forthcoming,โ OโConnell said. โHe was very sensitive in acknowledging his love, the one he had for Amy notwithstanding all that they had been through together.โ
The actor further clarified that after listening to Fielder-Civilโs personal account, he managed to imbue the character with both depth and humanity, though the perception of the manโs 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 filmโs reviews are marked by a claim that the film has been concentrating on the lighter shades of Winehouseโs personal life that were not so public while they secretly narrated Fielder-Civilโs role in her life as highly wrought and gentle as the audience imagined he could have been.
Following the remarks, OโConnell supported the artistic freedom shown in the film. He disproved the idea that the film Back to Black was a regular biopic or documentary.
โWe are making a movie that is for celebrating Amy,โ he said. โItโs a story of morals or law, itโs not. We didnโt come here to blame people. We came here to give people a reminder of her great talent.โ
Blake Fielder-Civil Calls the Film โTherapeuticโ
Fielder-Civil himself appeared in an unexpected way โ speaking out in a very personal way about the movie. In a TV interview earlier this year, he claimed that the movie was โtherapeuticโ 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 movieโs mood and message after all.
Winehouse Fans Remain Divided
Despite the intentions of the actor, criticism has emerged from Amy Winehouseโs fan clubs with the way the film shows the starโs last years. They donโt 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 Winehouseโs 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 OโConnell
In the case of Jack OโConnell, 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.
โMy honesty was the tool I used to do my utmost,โ he commented. โIf it attracts new discussions about the type of person Amy really was and the artist she was, and what she contributed to music, then Iโm pleased to have been a part of that.โ
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 OโConnellโs part are not getting nowhere near extinction anytime soon.
