Rewriting icons: the cultural shift behind Hollywood’s biopic obsession

It is an undeniable fact that the internet is something inherent in most people’s lives, and it is also undeniable that it takes one Google search to read all the details accessible about a person’s life. So, why are people so entranced with the notion of biopics? Why do we continue to flock to the theatres to watch dramatised versions of these figures when the facts are readily available online?

When does dramatisation cross the line into misinformation, and is it ethical to alter the truths of a real person’s life for the sake of narrative

As of the first month of 2025, there have been well over 10 biopics announced, many of which are musical in nature. A biopic is often defined as “a film dramatising the life of a particular person, typically a public or historical figure.” While biopics are by no means a new phenomenon – having existed since the early days of cinema – the sheer volume of these films today, particularly those about musicians and other modern figures, signals a noticeable shift in the kinds of stories Hollywood is choosing to tell. We are now in an age where celebrities are idolised, scrutinised, and dissected across every platform of media, making it no surprise that Hollywood is eager to churn out cinematic retellings of their stories. The rise of musical biopics in particular has brought with it a new era of spectacle, music, and passion. These films are not just retelling a person’s life, they are creating a vivid emotional connection to the artist’s legacy.

However, in doing so, they often prioritise emotional resonance over historical fidelity, inviting viewers to engage with a re-imagined version of events rather than one rooted strictly in fact. This raises a significant ethical challenge: when does dramatisation cross the line into misinformation, and is it ethical to alter the truths of a real person’s life for the sake of narrative?

Unlike the biographies of past centuries, where historical figures were often romanticised and sanitised from a distant perspective, today’s biopics tend to reflect a more up close and personal flare by delving into the challenges faced with the complications induced by fame. This is, in part, due to the fact that many of these icons are rooted in our public discourse. Icons such as Freddie Mercury, movies such as Bohemian Rhapsody (2018) – a dramatisation of this very man. The film brought Mercury’s rockstar lifestyle, struggles with identity, and ultimately death to a mainstream audience, whilst being a box office success simultaneously. Raking in $910.8 million dollars, grossing $216.7 million, and winning numerous awards it is evident that the movie performed amazingly. However, this was not without criticism. The accuracy of its portrayal was widely debated with much of the story embellished or at the bare minimum rearranged for dramatic effect.

One of the most significant issues with the modern biopic is the ethical question of how much to fictionalise a person’s life. Many biopics are heavily dramatized, often pushing the boundary of historical fact in favour of emotional resonance. For directors and filmmakers, this is a fine line. On the other hand, a movie needs to be engaging, and this often requires distilling complex lives into digestible narratives that follow the scripted three-act structure. But it is clear that doing so can veer into outright inaccuracy.

The increasing number of biopics, particularly those focusing on rockstars and cultural icons, also begs the question: why are we so drawn to real-life stories, especially in an era marked by disillusionment and distrust of institutions

Take the recent Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown (2024) as a case study. Directed by James Mangold and starring Timothée Chalamet, it is a heavily dramatised and stylised portrayal of Dylan’s early career, particularly his rise in the 1960s folk scene and his controversial electric performance at his 1965 Newport Folk Festival. While the film captures the spirit of Dylan’s artistry and the cultural upheaval of the era, it takes significant creative liberties, blending fact and fiction to craft a compelling narrative. It is undeniable A Complete Unknown is a vivid and engaging biopic, but it does prioritise emotional resonance over strict historical accuracy. It takes liberties with timelines, relationships, and events, and it succeeds in capturing the spirit of Bob Dylan’s transformative impact on music and culture. For fans, it offers a poetic interpretation of his legacy, but for those seeking a factual account, it’s best viewed as a dramatised homage rather than something that is true to life.

This form of storytelling is more common than not, especially in biopics about musicians. These films tend to magnify the highs – the concerts, the love from the fans – while minimising the lows: the substance abuse, the broken relationships, and the self-destructive tendencies that come hand-in-hand with the rockstar lifestyle. But even these lows are often portrayed with a flare that glamorises these experiences, further blurring the lines between reality and fiction. The increasing number of biopics, particularly those focusing on rockstars and cultural icons, also begs the question: why are we so drawn to real-life stories, especially in an era marked by disillusionment and distrust of institutions?

Society today is at a crossroads, many feel disconnected from traditional forms of authority, and there is a growing mistrust in established systems, from governments to media outlets. At the same time, the cult of celebrity has reached unprecedented heights through our increasing use of social media now normalising and humanising what was once an untouchable God-image of Hollywood Stars. As such, there has been a shift in how we now view public figures with them often seeming to be a symbol of personal freedom, authenticity, and rebellion.

In this context, we can see the rise of biopics as a reflection of a collective desire to understand, connect with, and perhaps even escape into the lives of those who seem to defy conventional rules. The stories of musicians and artists, especially those who pushed boundaries or lived outside of societal norms, offer audiences a kind of fantasy – a glimpse into a world where the usual constraints of life no longer apply. In a time when people may feel stifled by the systems around them, watching the lives of these anti-establishment figures unfold on screen can feel like an act of liberation.

As biopics continue to captivate audiences, filmmakers must find a way to balance emotional storytelling with an ethical commitment to truth

Moreover, biopics allow audiences to see real, flawed people struggling with the same issues of identity, love, and loss that everyone faces – albeit on a grander scale. While these stories may be dramatised they can offer a sense of connection, showing that even the most iconic figures faced human struggles and imperfections. This sense of shared humanity, paired with the allure of celebrity status, creates a powerful combination that drives people towards the biopic craze.

The increasing production of biopics, especially those focused on modern icons, reflects a deeper societal shift. These films not only provide entertainment but also offer a window into the complex relationship between public figures and their audiences. The growing number of musical biopics taps into a cultural desire for passion, rebellion, and authenticity – qualities that resonate deeply in an era of social and political uncertainty. However, the ethical challenges of dramatising real lives cannot be ignored. As biopics continue to captivate audiences, filmmakers must find a way to balance emotional storytelling with an ethical commitment to truth, recognising that these films do not just entertain – they shape our collective memory and understanding of history.