Key Takeaways:
- Kate Hudson responds to criticism of her performance in "Song Sung Blue" from the son of a musician depicted in the biopic
- Michael Sardina Jr. calls Hudson and co-star Hugh Jackman "monsters" and claims the film has destroyed his father’s legacy
- Hudson declines to comment on the criticism, citing respect for the filmmakers and noting that the real-life Claire Sardina is happy with the movie
- The film is based on a 2008 documentary and tells the story of a husband-and-wife musical duo who rose to fame as a Neil Diamond tribute act
- The real-life Claire Sardina has spoken positively about the film, saying it is a fitting tribute to her late husband’s legacy
Introduction to the Controversy
The recent release of the biopic "Song Sung Blue" has sparked controversy, with the son of a musician depicted in the film speaking out against the movie and its stars, Kate Hudson and Hugh Jackman. Michael Sardina Jr., the son of Mike Sardina, a musician who was part of a husband-and-wife duo that rose to fame as a Neil Diamond tribute act, has been vocal in his criticism of the film, calling Hudson and Jackman "monsters" and claiming that the movie has destroyed his father’s legacy.
The Film’s Background
"Song Sung Blue" is based on a 2008 documentary of the same name, which was released two years after Mike Sardina’s death at the age of 55. The film tells the story of Mike and Claire Sardina, a husband-and-wife musical duo who rose to national fame in the 1990s with their Neil Diamond tribute act, Lightning and Thunder. The movie stars Kate Hudson as Claire Sardina and Hugh Jackman as Mike Sardina, and has received a Golden Globe nomination for Hudson’s performance. Despite the film’s success, Michael Sardina Jr. has spoken out against the movie, claiming that it is inaccurate and has damaged his father’s legacy.
Michael Sardina Jr.’s Criticism
In an interview with the Daily Mail, Michael Sardina Jr. blasted the film, saying that it had "completely destroyed the one thing my father worked his entire life to pass on – his legacy." He also criticized Hudson and Jackman, saying that they had failed to mention him in interviews, despite his being the "most prevalent force" in his father’s life. Michael Sardina Jr. has also suggested that he may take legal action against the film’s producers. His comments have sparked a debate about the accuracy and sensitivity of the film, with some defending the movie as a tribute to Mike Sardina’s legacy, while others have criticized it for its perceived inaccuracies.
Kate Hudson’s Response
When asked about Michael Sardina Jr.’s comments, Kate Hudson declined to comment, citing respect for the filmmakers and noting that the real-life Claire Sardina is happy with the movie. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Hudson said: "Honestly, I don’t even know. Out of respect for our filmmakers, I’m not the right person to speak to it." She also spoke positively about the real-life Claire Sardina, saying: "I’m so happy that I got to know Claire, who’s such a wonderful woman, and she’s so happy with the movie." Hudson’s response has been seen as a diplomatic attempt to diffuse the controversy, while also emphasizing the film’s positive portrayal of Claire Sardina.
The Real-Life Claire Sardina’s Perspective
The real-life Claire Sardina has spoken positively about the film, saying that it is a fitting tribute to her late husband’s legacy. In an interview with "Inside Edition," Claire Sardina said: "His dream, initially, was, ‘We’re going to go to Vegas, baby, someday.’ Well, that didn’t happen. But this is just as good." She also performed with Hudson and Jackman at the New York premiere of the film, suggesting that she is supportive of the movie and its portrayal of her husband’s life and legacy. Claire Sardina’s comments have been seen as a counterpoint to Michael Sardina Jr.’s criticism, and have helped to emphasize the film’s positive portrayal of Mike Sardina’s life and legacy.
Conclusion
The controversy surrounding "Song Sung Blue" highlights the challenges of making a biopic, particularly when the subjects of the film are still alive or have living relatives. While Michael Sardina Jr.’s criticism of the film has sparked a debate about its accuracy and sensitivity, Kate Hudson’s response has emphasized the film’s positive portrayal of Claire Sardina and the legacy of Mike Sardina. Ultimately, the film’s success will depend on its ability to balance the competing demands of accuracy, sensitivity, and artistic license, while also doing justice to the legacy of the musicians it portrays.
