Freedom Uncut
By Kat Halstead,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Celebratory music docu has swearing, sexualized images.
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Freedom Uncut
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What's the Story?
In FREEDOM UNCUT, singer-songwriter George Michael reflects on an iconic career in his final work before his untimely death in 2016. Using interviews, archive footage, music videos, and celebrity talking heads, this documentary celebrates the music of one of the most successful artists in the world, while exploring a turbulent personal life going on behind the scenes.
Is It Any Good?
There's a difference between uncut and tell-all, and this celebratory documentary gives plenty of behind-the-scenes and personal interview material, yet remains very much edited by the star. In Freedom Uncut, which Michael was working on right up until his untimely death, we see a career explode from the heady days of Wham! to the dizzy heights of solo fame, and the struggles with his record label to fully take control of his music. Talking heads reach far and wide, from Kate Moss to Stevie Wonder, Liam Gallagher to Jean Paul Gaultier, Naomi Campbell to Elton John, James Corden to Mary J. Blige, and there's plenty of archive footage and music videos to entertain throughout the extended runtime.
Voiceovers and interviews with George himself are at the heart, reminding us of a man unafraid to make fun of himself, even as the media tried to shame him. There are moments of isolation, self-destruction, pressure, grief, and recovery -- hearing the star talk about his first love, who he lost to an AIDS-related illness, feels particularly poignant. In interviews, Michael explains the importance of persona, and here he seems to create yet another -- the superstar cementing his legacy away from the tabloid headlines.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Freedom Uncut portrayed George Michael. How much of an insight did it give into his life behind the scenes? How did it compare to other documentaries about musicians and singers? Do you think it made a difference that Michael was involved in the film's production? If so, how?
Michael shows integrity in the way he stands up for himself against his record label and perseverance throughout his career. Why are these important character strengths? Can you think of times when you've shown perseverance or integrity in your own life?
The film touches on the subject of sexuality. How was Michael's sexuality portrayed? How was the increasing awareness of HIV portrayed? Why do you think it is important to see representations like this in the media?
Talk about the strong language heard in the documentary. Did it feel authentic? What did it add to the film?
Discuss the smoking in the film. What are some of the health implications of smoking?
Movie Details
- In theaters: June 22, 2022
- Cast: George Michael , Ricky Gervais , Stevie Wonder
- Directors: David Austin , George Michael
- Inclusion Information: Gay actors, Black actors
- Studio: Trafalgar Releasing
- Genre: Documentary
- Topics: Music and Sing-Along
- Character Strengths: Integrity , Perseverance
- Run time: 87 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: June 2, 2023
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