Amy Winehouse’s father has hit back at complaints over a new biopic about the singer’s life, saying there’s been too much emphasis on looks.
However, Mitch Winehouse, 72, jokingly changed his tune when he discovered he would be played by The Pact actor Eddie Marsan, rather than his first pick, Hollywood heartthrob George Clooney.
Mitch said: “I told my friend that Eddie was playing me and he said – excuse my French – ‘Eddie f****** Marsan! He’s not very good-looking.’ I said, ‘I know – I wanted George Clooney!’.”
Mitch has not only spoken out about his appearance, he’s also put his foot down about the way he was going to be portrayed in the film.
Speaking to The Mail on Sunday, Mitch said: “I sent the first script back. It made me look like a saint – like I should be knighted. It was too much.”
Despite his niggles, the former cabbie has given his backing to the movie, directed by Fifty Shades Of Grey’s Sam Taylor-Johnson, who was a friend of Amy’s.
Filming of Back To Black began in London last month, with images from the set made public.
Amy’s fans weren’t convinced over the suitability of the actress playing her character.
They’ve pointed out that Marisa Abela, 26, from BBC banking drama Industry, does not look like Amy, or have her trademark soulful voice.
Mitch said: “When Marisa started, I said to the producer, ‘But she can’t sing.’ And she replied, ‘She’s having lessons…’.” He has since agreed that “she’s a lot better”.
The proceeds of the film are going to the charity set up in Amy’s name, however, the new project hasn’t been an easy decision for those involved.
Amy’s mother Janis, 67, says the film has reopened painful memories of her ex-husband’s affair.
She, like Mitch, has complained about her portrayal in the film, with EastEnders star Juliet Cowan taking on the role.
Janis said: “I was horrified. I’ve been made to look like a doormat. I’m shown as a feeble, tired woman, slouching on the couch. When Amy was growing up, I was a hard-working, outgoing single mother studying for two university degrees.”
