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Biopics have long been a favorite genre in Hollywood, often rising to prominence during award seasons. Consistently featured in the Academy Awards, these films are often regarded as an easy route to recognition. When done right, they can achieve broad success, or at the very least, secure a few nominations.
Yet, for every well-crafted biopic, there are several that fall short of expectations. Whether due to miscasting, weak writing, or taking excessive creative liberties with the truth, these 10 films failed to capture the essence of their real-life subjects.
10. The Audrey Hepburn Story (2000)
What comes to mind when we think of Audrey Hepburn? For many, it’s the iconic image from Breakfast at Tiffany’s. But for those familiar with her life, we also remember her outstanding humanitarian work as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and her role in supporting the Dutch Resistance during World War II as a child. Sadly, The Audrey Hepburn Story places a disproportionate emphasis on her Hollywood career, sidelining these crucial aspects of her life.
One of the unforgettable traits of Audrey Hepburn was her grace, which radiated through her every movement, voice, and gesture. Unfortunately, while Jennifer Love-Hewitt captures Hepburn’s appearance, she fails to embody the elegance that made Hepburn a true icon. Audrey Hepburn’s legacy as a Hollywood legend is undisputed, but her life encompassed far more than just her film career. The Audrey Hepburn Story offers only a shallow glimpse into her extraordinary life, focusing too much on her Hollywood years while leaving a skewed or incomplete view of the full person that Hepburn was.
9. Bonnie and Clyde (1967)
The 1967 film romanticizes the relationship between Bonnie and Clyde, portraying it as almost a fairytale romance. However, the film downplays their violent history, omitting the fact that the real-life couple was believed to have killed at least 9 police officers and 4 civilians. Their robberies are shown in a light that suggests they targeted only large banks, creating an impression of minimal harm. In reality, their preferred targets were smaller businesses such as gas stations and convenience stores.
Today, Bonnie and Clyde is regarded as groundbreaking for its time, with the BBC even noting that it ‘shook the very foundations of Hollywood, playing a major role in steering the US film industry towards a new, exciting, history-defining direction.’ As a film, they’re not wrong. It’s a fast-paced, violent spectacle that earned 9 Academy Award nominations. In terms of entertainment, Bonnie and Clyde is a winner. But as a biographical film, it simplifies the duo’s lives and strays significantly from the truth. Even Blanche Barrow (Clyde’s sister-in-law and a member of the Barrow Gang) claimed that she ‘did not recognize much of anything in the story, least of all herself.’ It’s worth watching, but take it with a pinch of salt!
8. The Runaways (2010)
With Cherie Currie’s autobiography as the basis and Joan Jett serving as Executive Producer, one would expect The Runaways to dive deeper into the story of this groundbreaking all-female rock band of the 1970s. The hope was that the film would highlight the band’s journey, but instead, the focus shifts mostly to Kim Fowley, the band’s original manager, leaving the band members themselves underdeveloped.
Kristen Stewart and Dakota Fanning make attempts to embody Joan Jett and Cherie Currie, but their portrayals seem reduced to mere facial expressions and posture. Additionally, the other members of the band are barely shown, let alone given much dialogue. Sandy West and Lita Ford’s stories clearly weren’t deemed important enough to warrant significant screen time. The strongest part of the film is the music—honestly, you’re better off enjoying the actual albums, such as The Runaways: The Mercury Albums Anthology, to experience their true legacy.
7. Amelia (2009)
Amelia serves as a perfect example of how a star-studded cast can’t rescue a lackluster script. Hilary Swank does her best to portray Amelia Earhart, with Richard Gere as her husband, George P. Putnam. Sadly, the film’s biggest strength lies in its cast, leaving little else of note. Despite ticking all the biopic boxes, the film feels static and uninspired.
Most people are familiar with the story of Amelia Earhart—the daring aviator, her boundless ambition, and the mystery surrounding her disappearance. A biopic about such a famous figure, especially with such a tragic ending, should delve into the final chapter of her life. Yet, Amelia barely touches on her disappearance, failing to explore the tragic nature of her story. Instead, it delivers a lackluster narrative, leaving Earhart’s incredible tale untold in a way that truly honors her legacy.
6. Liz and Dick (2012)
The film Liz and Dick attempts to recount one of the most publicized and scandal-ridden relationships in Hollywood history. It should have been as grand as the legendary figures at its heart. Beginning with the pair’s meeting on the set of Cleopatra and stretching to Burton’s death decades later, the story of Elizabeth Taylor (Lindsay Lohan) and Richard Burton (Grant Bowler) unfolds in a disjointed fashion. Their tumultuous relationship is reduced to a fragmented timeline that fails to give the audience a clear understanding. The aging process of the characters is barely acknowledged, with Lohan awkwardly attempting to portray a 52-year-old Taylor by the film’s conclusion.
Portraying someone as legendary as Elizabeth Taylor is no easy feat, and unfortunately, Lohan’s portrayal falls short. While her appearance may come close, her voice remains unchanged, and she fails to capture the essence of Taylor's captivating presence. Despite the slight resemblance, Lohan never convinces us that she is embodying the true Elizabeth Taylor, and it is equally unbelievable to think that there is only a seven-year age gap between her character and Burton. The film, in the end, is a missed opportunity—an iconic love story deserving of a more larger-than-life cinematic treatment, leaving us yearning for a real depiction of this passionate pair.
5. The Greatest Showman (2017)
Had P.T. Barnum been alive to witness the 2017 film, there’s little doubt that he would have relished the portrayal of himself. Though the public affair with Jenny Lind may not have been factual, the true darker nature of Barnum’s shows was far more disturbing. The idea that his troupe was like a family to him seems almost laughable given the true nature of his exploits.
Barnum’s first major 'exhibit' involved Joice Heath, a black woman whom he claimed was the 161-year-old former nurse of George Washington. He 'rented' her out for public display, despite slavery being illegal in the state at the time. Tragically, after Heath's death, Barnum took it a step further by offering tickets to a live autopsy, where 1,500 paying customers were invited to witness the dissection of her body for entertainment purposes.
Hugh Jackman’s portrayal of Barnum showcases one of his most despicable traits—abandoning his family in pursuit of personal ambition. However, this depiction is far more subdued than the reality of Barnum's actions.
4. The Far Horizons (1955)
Touted by Time Magazine as one of the most historically inaccurate films ever made, The Far Horizons offers no justification for the complete distortion of the Lewis & Clark expedition and the role of Sacagawea. The true story—of a Native American woman aiding Western explorers—was already a thrilling adventure, and could have made for a captivating film on its own.
The addition of a fabricated romance between Sacagawea and William Clark undermines her historical significance, implying that a female character's value lies in a romantic relationship. To make matters worse, Sacagawea’s real-life husband, Toussaint Charbonneau, is portrayed as the villain, when in reality he was merely a guide for the expedition. The film’s casting choice was equally offensive, with Donna Reed playing Sacagawea in brownface—a portrayal that, even in the 1950s, was deeply problematic.
Nina (2016) ranks as the lowest-rated film on Rotten Tomatoes with only a 2% score. It was criticized for being a ‘misguided tribute’ to its subject's remarkable talent and lasting influence. Even before the film's release, controversy stirred over Zoe Saldana’s casting as Nina Simone. Saldana, an Afro-Latina actress of Dominican and Puerto Rican heritage, was widely deemed an unsuitable choice to portray the iconic African American singer and activist. Saldana herself admitted, ‘I didn’t think I was right for the part.’
The film is a disservice to Nina Simone’s legacy, reducing her to a mere alcoholic who squandered her life. Critics, including Simone’s daughter, Lisa Simone Kelly, have denounced the portrayal as inaccurate, with Kelly stating, ‘Clearly, it is not the truth about my mother’s life and everyone now knows that. This is not how you want your loved ones remembered.’ For a more truthful account of Nina Simone’s life, consider watching the 2015 documentary What Happened, Miss Simone?
There will always be compelling, real-life stories to tell, but crafting a successful biopic isn’t as simple as it seems. An improper cast or excessive alterations to the story can quickly undermine the film’s authenticity, making it harder to gain respect or recognition during awards season.
A successful biopic hinges on finding the right balance between staying true to the story and making it captivating. Sometimes, embellishments or fabrications are unnecessary. It's essential to honor the person the film is dedicated to, not just through their attire, makeup, or prosthetics, but by genuinely understanding and capturing the essence of the individual on screen.
Crafting a meaningful biographical film requires a deep understanding of the subject, striking a balance between the truth and cinematic storytelling. The essence of the person should be reflected accurately, portraying them not just through superficial means, but through a genuine study of their character and life.
2. The Conqueror (1956)
Genghis Khan, the legendary founder and first Emperor of the Mongol Empire, is a figure ripe for an epic cinematic portrayal. However, casting John Wayne—an actor embodying all-American values—was a puzzling choice for this historical role, especially after Marlon Brando, another unlikely candidate, turned it down.
Wayne's casting is just one of the many missteps in this film. Virtually every decision misses the mark, including the dialogue. Screenwriter Oscar Millard's attempt at adding an 'archaic flourish' to the script only resulted in what he later admitted was a huge mistake. Adding to the film's flaws, the historical inaccuracies are glaring. While the movie shows Khan (also known as Temujin) kidnapping Börte, history tells us that their marriage was arranged when they were both just children—him 9, and her 10. Unlike the critically praised 'Bonnie and Clyde,' 'The Conqueror' fails on every level.
1. Diana (2013)
The making of a film often speaks volumes, especially when the lead actor expresses regret about their involvement. Such is the case with Naomi Watts, who portrayed Princess Diana in the 2013 biopic. Despite her dedicated research and even wearing Diana's actual clothing, Watts couldn't overcome a lackluster script. As The Guardian succinctly put it, the film 'creates a distorted, sugary and preposterous impression,' offering a 'highly simplistic view of events.'
The film focuses primarily on Princess Diana’s final years, particularly her romance with heart surgeon Dr. Hasnat Khan, while glossing over other significant aspects of her life. Why is Prince Charles, despite their divorce, almost completely absent when he was still a major presence in her life? Her children and her humanitarian efforts, which were central to her existence, are barely acknowledged. The script offers little for the actors to work with, and the only time we see any real glimpse of Diana’s spirit is during the moments when the actors are free from the constraints of the stiff dialogue, allowing them to simply embody their roles.
