Entertainment : What We’re Watching: Back to Black

I recently watched the Amy Winehouse biopic 'Back to Black.'

The writers gives a nod to the singer's musical influences early on in the film, including Sarah Vaughan, Lauryn Hill and Massive Attack. As a big fan of these artists, as well as Winehouse, I was hooked.

Winehouse fans are sure to love actress Marisa Abela's performance; her embodiment of the look, style and swagger of Winehouse is uncanny. The film doesn't look away from many of the tragic elements of Amy Winehouse's life and career, yet also captures her grit, her love of jazz and the cathartic nature of her storytelling that propelled her to release the highest charting album from a British female artist in the US.

I would highly recommend this film for Winehouse fans; it is available for checkout on DVD at the Vinton Public Library. There are many memorable quotes, but my favorite is "I don't write songs to be famous. I write songs 'cause I've got to make somethin' good outta somethin' bad."

~Kelly Henkle, Library Director