But Winehouse was something much more poignant than either of these portrayals.
Simply put, she was a nuanced woman, the kind that our society struggles to digest.
She was such a ferocious artist and a fiery woman.
I think adding that back into the conversation is important.
For Abela, the reaction and attention were only reminders of how big of a talent Winehouse was.
That doesnt really have anything to do with me as a person.
Marisa Abela on set
Its more to do with the individuals personal relationship to Amy.
And thats completely understandable.
Marisa Abela on set
Marisa Abela:Definitely.
Its such a weird appetite.
So exploring that as an actor was hard and sad.
Youre not opening yourself up emotionally in the same way.
I knew the way she was treated was disgusting, but seeing it on camera really hits home.
What was it like to reenact that 00s tabloid culture is such a visceral way?
I think that we have this moral superiority of ourselves 20 years ago.
In a headline, you are probably right.
But that still exists.
What people say about celebrities on TikTok now is often so much worse.
I think the difference now is that tabloids understand what they can and cant get away with.
Its social media and the individual that has no responsibility to anyone.
I dont know if thats any better at all.
There doesnt seem to be any intention to limit that on these platforms.
So I think people that are public are still vulnerable to that hate.
What do you think young people today should take away from Amys story about how we treat celebrities?
I think we are seeing more and more from a younger generation, the ability to set boundaries.
Boundaries in Amys time werent cool.
Im really sorry, but Im here with my family or whatever it is.
I think not feeling like you owe it to people to constantly be available to them.
Thats not healthy for anyone.
I feel like any normal person that went to a therapist, a therapist would say create boundaries.
Create time for yourself, space for yourself.
I dont understand why people in the public eye need to be on and available and public property forever.
How did you block out these opinions on set?
It is within your control to lean in and read those things and become obsessed by them or not.
You mute them and its done.
And I think that that is within your control.
And as an actor that didnt make any sense to me.
I was like, But surely the point is the work.
Im really all about the work.
And thankfully since the film has come out, the discourse around the film has definitely become more varied.
I think theyre more ready to accept stories about men.
Theres something that happens to women, especially when they pass away.
No one can touch her.
Shes an angel and a saint.
And its so interesting.
And the second something terrible happens…its the same with Diana.
Otherwise it would stop making these films.
You did your own singing in the film and had never sung professionally before this, which is incredible.
And watching the magic that we all know happened in real time.
I love Wake Up Alone.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
