Howl
The lives of real people have always been a subject of interest for movie makers throughout the years - but it seems to be a more popular genre than ever.
James Franco is back on the big screen this week with his new movie Howl, which sees him take on the role of poet Alan Ginsberg.
So to celebrate the release of the movie we take a look at some of the best biopic pictures that have graced the big screen in the last decade.
The Queen (2006)
Helen Mirren took on the role of Queen Elizabeth II in 2006 in what was to be an Oscar winning turn as she teamed up with Dangerous Liaisons director Stephen Frears.
A revealing, witty portrait of the British royal family in crisis immediately following the death of Princess Diana.
In the immediate aftermath of the Princess's passing, the tightly contained, tradition-bound world of the Queen of England clashes with the slick modernity of the country's brand new, image-conscious Prime Minister, Tony Blair.
The Queen is a very real feeling movie that does not shy away at the turn in feelings towards the Royal Family during this time - Frears is not afraid to show the anger of the British people over some of the decisions that were made.
But it's Helen Mirren's performance that really makes this movie as she is perfectly cast as Queen Elizabeth II who is taken about by the change in mood of her people.
But the supporting cast are also excellent, especially Michael Sheen as the newly elected Tony Blair as he tries to steer the country and the Royals themselves through a tough time.
La Vie En Rose (2007)
La Vie En Rose was to be the movie that would see Marion Cotillard deliver the breakthrough performance of her career - in fact it was so good it went on to scoop the Best Actress Oscar.
She took on the role of Edith Piaf in a movie that followed her rise and fall as well as her struggle with drugs.
Cotillard gives her body and soul to this role and engages the audience from the off as she tells the story of this rage to riches story that is fraught with tragedy and suffering. It's truly is a warts an all tale of this diva that fell into a world of alcohol and drug addiction.
The central actress is almost unrecognisable and when she stands centre stage as Piaf in New York in 1959 singing from her very soul it touched you like no other movie did that year.
Walk The Line (2006)
For me Walk The Line is one of the best biopics that we have been treated to in recent year as Joaquin Phoenix teamed up with Reese Witherspoon to tell the story of the one and only Johnny Cash.
Walk The Line is a chronicle of country music legend Johnny Cash's life, from his early days on an Arkansas cotton farm to his rise to fame with Sun Records in Memphis
Now when you watch this film remember that Joaquin Phoenix had never played a guitar prior to being cast as the Man in Black and that makes his live performances even more impressive.
'Hi I'm Johnny Cash' and that fact is never in doubt as Phoenix doesn't just play Cash but he becomes him capturing not just his facial expressions and body language but the pain of him inner struggle, but it is these flaws that make him such an interesting character.
Reese Witherspoon is nothing short or a marvel as June Carter, the love of Cash's life, taking her acting to another level as she delivers a no-nonsense, full bodied portrayal of June.
The Aviator (2004)
The early noughties saw Leonardo DiCaprio go from pretty pin up boy to serious Hollywood heavyweight - and this movie, along with his partnership with Martin Scorsese, helped him make this change.
The Aviator charts the early years of famous tycoon, Howard Hughes (1905-1976), whose eclectic career spanned across everything from oil, for which he cared little, to film, casinos, and aviation--as he turned millions of dollars into billions.
The Aviator is a very engaging movie that peeled away the layers of Howard Hughes in what was a great turn by DiCaprio.
It is Hollywood entertainment old school style as Scorsese nods back to the old days of glitz and glamour.
Persepolis (2008)
Persepolis is one of the best coming-of-age stories that follows a precocious and outspoken young Iranian girl that begins during the Islamic Revolution.
Marjane grew up during the revolution and then oppression before being sent to Europe as a teenager where she struggled to find acceptance.
As well as being a political movie Persepolis is also a coming of age movie that tackles the idea of innocence and how war tool that it innocence and care-free existence away.
But Persepolis also very much focuses on the feminist struggle in Iran and this is beautifully contrasted with Marjane’s experiences in Europe.
The monochrome animation is beautiful yet stark and this is mixed with the surprise humour that is in the script.
The political element is very understated throughout the whole film but when it does raise its head it’s like a slap in the face.
Howl is released 25th February.
FemaleFirst Helen Earnshaw