In an intriguing turn of events, a new breed of films has emerged, blurring the lines between fact and fiction. These pseudo-biopics, which feature characters inspired by real-life celebrities while taking creative liberties with their stories, are gaining popularity in the cinematic landscape. From Timothée Chalamet’s Marty Supreme to Meryl Streep’s turn in The Devil Wears Prada 2, these films invite viewers to indulge in a playful exploration of familiar figures and their narratives, whilst keeping them guessing about what’s real and what’s imagined.
A New Cinematic Approach
The traditional disclaimer that films often feature entirely fictitious characters and events is being subverted as filmmakers navigate the murky waters of creative storytelling. Recent releases like Bradley Cooper’s Is This Thing On? and the upcoming The Prince, directed by Cameron Van Hoy, showcase narratives that are heavily inspired by real people—yet, they’re reimagined in ways that can feel both familiar and distinctly original.
Take Marty Supreme, for instance. This film draws from the life of 1950s table tennis player Marty Reisman, but reworks the character into the fictional Marty Mauser. Similarly, Is This Thing On? features a character modeled on stand-up comedian John Bishop, yet he is transformed into Alex Novak, a New Yorker with a unique flair.
The Appeal of Fictionalisation
So, why this surge in pseudo-biopics? One possibility is the desire to mitigate legal risks and avoid backlash from real-life figures. By altering names and details, filmmakers can explore themes and narratives without the constraints of strict biographical accuracy. Brit McAdams, who directed the 2023 film Paint with Owen Wilson, embraces this notion. He explains that finding success in the film industry requires not just a solid script and star power, but also a familiarity that resonates with audiences.
“Movies are incredibly challenging to produce,” McAdams states. “When you evoke a character or world that people recognise, it gives your project a head start.” His film, while reminiscent of Bob Ross’s soothing persona, centres on Carl Nargle, a character who shares Ross’s iconic hair and style but diverges significantly in other respects.
Blurring Realities in Film
The concept of roman à clef, a narrative device where true stories are told through a fictional lens, finds its footing in cinema as well. This method allows filmmakers to explore deeper, often unspoken elements of a character’s life, presenting audiences with a nuanced understanding of their experiences.
Interestingly, some recent films take this idea a step further by featuring actors who ostensibly portray themselves in semi-fictionalised narratives. Charli XCX’s The Moment, co-written by Bertie Brandes, plays with this ambiguity, blending documentary-style elements with scripted content. “We intentionally mix footage from various platforms, and our cameos are themselves,” Brandes explains. “It’s a cautionary tale, but one that feels very real.”
This playful approach to storytelling might be a response to the recent decline in box office success for traditional biopics. As audiences grow weary of straightforward life stories, these pseudo-biopics offer a refreshing alternative, presenting a blend of entertainment and cultural commentary.
The Future of Pseudo-Biopics
With the landscape of cinema shifting, the demand for engaging narratives that resonate with viewers is higher than ever. The recent announcement by Amelia Dimoldenberg, creator of Chicken Shop Date, about her upcoming romantic comedy featuring a celebrity interviewer searching for love hints that this trend is only just beginning. Whether or not she chooses to use her own name remains to be seen, but it underscores the inventive spirit that characterises today’s film industry.
As filmmakers continue to explore the space between fact and fiction, audiences can expect to see more stories that reflect the complexities of celebrity culture—stories that entertain while inviting viewers to question the nature of truth in cinema.
Why it Matters
The rise of pseudo-biopics signifies a shift in how we consume and interpret narratives about public figures. By allowing filmmakers to play with the truth, these films not only entertain but also provoke thought about the nature of identity and the stories we tell. As audiences, we find ourselves complicit in this dance of reality and fiction, engaging with the material in a way that feels both intimate and ironic. This trend not only revitalises the biopic genre but also challenges us to consider the nuances behind the personas we celebrate.