The family of the legendary Roy Orbison is collaborating with Compelling Pictures to create a biopic and documentary dedicated to the life and career of the iconic singer.
The film, tentatively titled “You Got It,” will be more of a love story than a classic biopic, focusing on Orbison’s relationship with his wife, Barbara Orbison. Barbara, who served as his manager and helped him relaunch his career, remained by his side until his sudden death in 1988.
Production and factors
The film will be produced by Denis O'Sullivan (Bohemian Rhapsody) and Jeff Kalligheri (I Wanna Dance With Somebody), while executive producers will be Alex Orbison, Roy Orbison Jr. and Wesley Orbison through their Roy's Boys label, along with Joshua Mosshart.
In their statement, Orbison's sons expressed their joy, stating: "We are thrilled to be working with Compelling Pictures. Denis and Jeff's vision for the film is amazing.".
Roy Orbison's career and comeback
Roy Orbison was one of the most iconic voices in rock 'n' roll, with timeless hits like "Oh, Pretty Woman," "Crying," "Only the Lonely" and "In Dreams." Although he established his fame, his life was plagued by tragedy, with the untimely death of his wife Claudette in an accident in 1966 and the loss of his two eldest sons in a house fire two years later.
Despite his career declining in the 70s, his songs were covered by artists such as Don McLean and Van Halen. In 1986, “In Dreams” was re-released in David Lynch’s film “Blue Velvet,” rekindling interest in his music.
In 1988, Orbison joined the Traveling Wilburys, the supergroup formed with Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, Jeff Lynne and George Harrison. That same year, Bruce Springsteen, during his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, said: "I wanted to write a song with words like Dylan's, that sounded like Phil Spector's, but, most of all, I wanted to sing like Roy Orbison. And we all know that nobody sings like Roy Orbison.".
The vision of the film
Compelling Pictures stressed in a statement: "Roy Orbison was not only a unique artist, but also a symbol of strength and endurance. His story with Barbara, full of love, tension and humor, framed by his legendary songs, will soar – like his sensitive notes".
