Digital devices remain the number one source of information as of 2024, as 86% of U.S. adults constantly discover news from their smartphones and computers. Found on digital devices, streaming services, such as Netflix, Hulu and Max, occasionally contribute to the spread of news through docuseries, and biographical media, also known as biopics. Biopics attract large audiences and earn millions at the box office, proving their popularity and high demand. With their popularity comes the exploitation of the biopic’s subject. Because of this almost guaranteed consequence, production companies should not produce biopics without the full consent of their desired focus.
“I think that biopics should definitely continue to be created as long as the producers and creators have consent from their focus. If their focus is unfortunately dead, then they should get consent from that person’s loved ones. The only problem with biopics is the lack of information they include when the producers do not work with real-life individuals. At that point, biopics become completely fictional. For example, with the Menendez brothers, and Ryan Murphy’s show based on them, the brothers stated that Murphy claimed he researched their case, when in reality he worked with someone who was pro-prosecution toward them,” senior Maya Daniel said.
Opponents, however, might believe that biopics help highlight the subjects’ lives. In 2022, with the release of “Elvis,” fans claimed this biopic brought the late Elvis Presley “back to life.” While this movie may have brought forward feelings of reminiscence, several biopic movies and series in history have disappointed friends and family of those who have passed or shown unwanted details of exploited loved ones. Without production companies receiving consent to use non-original content, the lives and stories of several families across the world are invaded and shared with millions of strangers.
Produced by Point Grey Pictures, “Pam and Tommy” premiered on Hulu February 2, 2022, and explored the true story behind Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee’s scandal in 1997. Although the biographical series received praise from critics, Anderson herself released numerous statements sharing her thoughts on the show and how invaded she felt upon learning about the approved production of it. After the showrunners admitted they ran the show without the involvement or consent of their two subjects, Anderson revealed she refuses to watch it, as it further exploits and revisits her past self and relationship. This utilization of Anderson and Lee’s personal lives for entertainment purposes and the rejection of their disapproval shows the harm in the normalization of biopics.
“I had never heard about Pamela Anderson or Tommy Lee until their Hulu show came out. Soon after I started watching it, I realized it wasn’t truly their show, it was some producer’s show. I feel really bad that they’re still getting exploited to this day about something that happened so long ago. I think that the biopic industry has been dangerous for quite some time now, especially with social media and the spreading of false news,” senior Marissa Grier said.
Telling one’s story without consent does not act as proper television or filmmaking; it acts as a violation of privacy. Without the consent of a biopic’s subject, that subject misses out on profit and a proper chance to explain their true story. Filmmakers and television producers should uphold a certain standard and morality when thinking of creating their next biographical project, asking permission and consent from their reimagined star.
