Ten Musicians Whose Lives Would Make Great Biopics

With a new John Lennon movie garnering praise, here are the music biopics we covet.

By Jon Horowitz

1) Ozzy Osbourne

Why make it: Before he was a mumbling, semi-endearing, reality-television dad, Ozzy was the Prince of Darkness. The man did a lot of drugs, snorted a line of ants on a dare, bit the head off a dove, and helped create heavy metal. He also had a rough childhood in a hard-up, working-class family. He dealt with learning disabilities and abusive teachers. He was a rebel, but he was also just another struggling kid. And the earliest appearance of his musical talent would kill on screen: a teenage Ozzy starred in a school production of The Pirates of Penzance.

Casting call: Rumor has it that an Ozzy flick is in the works with Colin Farrell potentially playing the lead. I can't think of a better actor for the role, between his off-screen lifestyle and amazing performances in smaller films like In Bruges.

2) Sinead O'Connor

Why make it: Controversy makes a good story, and very few artists have been as outspoken in their controversial beliefs as O'Connor. She tore up a picture of the Pope on S.N.L. to protest the church's stance on sexual abuse. She shaved her head after record executives told her to be more feminine. She sings about child abuse, which she experienced firsthand, women's rights, war, and sexuality. She has bipolar disorder, has attempted suicide, and had enough run-ins with the law as child that she was sent to an asylum for wayward women. She's been an outspoken advocate not only for women, but for anyone who feels different or alone.

Casting call: Knee-jerk reaction is going to be to cast Natalie Portman — I mean, her shaved head from V for Vendetta has already inspired a band name. Still, I think Scottish actress Kelly Macdonald (No Country for Old Men, Boardwalk Empire) or even Alison Lohman (Drag Me to Hell) would be great.

3) Prince

Why make it: Very few artists have been as brilliant, as prolific, or as inadvertently hilarious as Prince Rogers Nelson. From the shores of Lake Minnetonka to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the man is not only a music icon, but spent years as a literal symbol. Besides that, he's a potent yet ambiguous sex symbol, had epilepsy as a child, and keeps most of his life a secret (despite the semi-autobiographical nature of Purple Rain).

Casting call: Unfortunately, nobody would be able to take Dave Chappelle seriously, which leaves a short-haired, mustachioed Halle Berry as my top pick.

4) Tupac Shakur

Why make it: Because it still hasn't been made! Tupac's life and death are deeply connected to race, poverty, politics, police brutality, and vicious gang violence. His story would be an engaging way to explore these issues. Plus, when it turns out he's still alive, the sequel will write itself.

Casting call: Apparently, a script for the potential biopic is just now in the works, which means they have plenty of time to get Michael B. Jordan (The Wire, Friday Night Lights) up to speed.

5) Ella Fitzgerald

Why make it: Louis Armstrong will get all the jazz press when Forest Whitaker plays him in the biopic set for 2012, but Ella Fitzgerald, who grew up idolizing Louis, was equally interesting and talented. Her difficult childhood included her mother's sudden death, her stepfather's abuse, placement in an orphanage, some time spent homeless, and working both in a brothel (but not like that —  she was a lookout) and for some known Mafia affiliates. Yet she still rose to greatness, and left us with one of the most recognizable voices in recorded music.

Casting call: Rather than go with someone already known, I think this would be a great opportunity to have a new voice and actress brought into the public eye and ear. All I'm saying is: please don't cast Rihanna.