Michael Abrahams | One Love: let’s get together and feel alright

I went to see the movie Bob Marley: One Love and I enjoyed it. Although many, like me, have a positive impression of the film, there has also been harsh criticism, especially from some Jamaicans with large followings on social media, including quite a few who have not even seen the film but, for some reason, see it fit to tear it down. We all have different tastes, and have a right to share our views about the things we like and those we do not; and the arts are no exception. I have no issue with that.

For example, the criticism about the film lacking depth is understandable. Some aspects of Marley and his life were skimmed over or omitted. It is impossible to delve into all facets of his colourful life during one motion picture, and although the movie is referred to as a biopic, it focused on a short but very eventful period for him: between 1976 and 1978. During this time, against a backdrop of significant political turmoil and violence in Jamaica, he and Rita were shot, he relocated to England temporarily, he recorded Exodus (regarded by many as his best album), he was diagnosed with cancer, and he returned to Jamaica and performed at the famous One Love Peace Concert. But the movie could have explored more of Marley’s mind, issues and conflicts.

Another understandable critique of the movie is the minimising of Cindy Breakspeare’s presence. Whether we want to accept it or not, she was a significant part of Bob’s life during this time. Their relationship was no secret and they even lived together in London for awhile. There were scenes shot with an actress portraying Breakspeare, who is acknowledged in the credits as a consultant, which did not make the final cut. In film-making, it is well known that more scenes are shot than are needed, with some ending up on the cutting room floor, for various reasons. We do not know the reason for the non-inclusion of most of the scenes, including Breakspeare’s character, but it is an obvious omission.

NOT A DOCUMENTARY

We also need to understand that this is not a documentary but a movie. The purpose of a documentary is to inform. The purpose of a movie is to entertain, although it may inform as well. But when entertainment is the primary goal, there is artistic licence to tweak, embellish or minimise some aspects of reality to make the product more appealing to audiences. However, to be honest, from speaking with multiple persons who know Rita and knew Bob, and were familiar with their relationship, some of this artistic licence crosses the line into fantasy.

There were complaints about a lack of Jamaican actors in the movie. But these grievances are unjustified, as there are many. The young Bob Marley is played excellently by Quan-Dajai Henriques, a Jamaican actor. Sheldon Shepherd plays Neville Garrick, a close friend of Bob’s and the graphic artist who designed many of his album covers. Everaldo Creary portrays producer Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry. And not only are there many more Jamaican actors, but over 2,000 Jamaicans were employed for various tasks during movie production.

The complaints about the lead actor who plays Bob Marley being not Jamaican are understandable. We would love to see one of our own portraying our most celebrated icon. Detractors need to understand that this is a major motion picture from a well-established movie studio, Paramount Pictures, poised for global distribution. An essential factor for a movie’s success is the strength of its lead actor or actors. To portray someone as hugely popular as Bob Marley, the producers had to find a good and experienced actor who could execute the portrayal of ‘The Gong’ with excellence. And not only a good actor, but specifically a good film actor. Stage and film acting are different animals, and most Jamaican actors have considerably more stage than film experience. Several Jamaican actors auditioned for the role. Eventually, Kingsley Ben-Adir was chosen, an accomplished, well-known and versatile British actor who has performed in several major motion pictures: and he nailed it. Even critics who trashed the movie had to admit that his performance was stellar, as was that of the actress who played Rita Marley, Lashana Lynch, a British actress of Jamaican descent who also has considerable film experience.

HELP TO SELL

Known names help to sell movies, and the studio wants the movie to be successful. If it is successful, the company will benefit; after all, this is a business. Not only that, but the movie’s success means that many people would have seen it, and the more people see it, the more people will be exposed to Bob and his music, which will enhance his already-massive global popularity. And we want that. We want our most famous son to be even more appreciated.

And the film is achieving that goal. It created history in Jamaica, producing the island’s biggest opening day ever for a film, and the biggest opening day for a music biopic ever in the UK. The film is also the biggest midweek opener ever for Valentine’s Day in the United States. According to an article on Screen Rant, although the biopic’s critic score is 43 per cent after 141 reviews, the audience score is exceptionally high at 94 per cent, based on more than 1,000 reviews. The movie also gets an ‘A’ rating on CinemaScore.

So, let us look at the bigger picture. Although some may be dissatisfied with what they perceive to be the lack of depth of the movie, and its omissions, its feel-good tone has made it palatable to moviegoers. And its success is likely to stimulate not just a greater interest in Bob Marley, but also reggae and our beautiful island. And I am okay with that.

Michael Abrahams is an obstetrician and gynaecologist, social commentator and human-rights advocate. Send feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com and michabe_1999@hotmail.com, or follow him on X , formerly Twitter, @mikeyabrahams.