Why Do People Hate Rami Malek?

Rami Malek is an American actor best known for his role as Elliot Alderson in the TV series Mr. Robot. He also portrayed Freddie Mercury in the Queen biopic Bohemian Rhapsody, for which he won the Academy Award for Best Actor in 2019.

However, despite his success, Rami Malek has faced some backlash and criticism from certain groups over the years. Here’s an in-depth look at some of the reasons why some people dislike or “hate” Rami Malek:

Criticism of His Acting Skills and Range

One of the most common criticisms directed at Rami Malek is that he has limited acting range and tends to play similar introverted, socially awkward characters. For example:

• Mr. Robot role – Critics argue that Malek essentially played the same type of character that he did in Mr. Robot – an introspective, isolated genius.
• Other roles are too similar – Aside from Mr. Robot and Bohemian Rhapsody, Malek has yet to show much versatility in his acting range, sticking to intense, eccentric roles.
• Too much of an “indie actor” style – Some feel Malek has an acting style more suited for quirky indie films than big blockbuster movies. His muted, restrained style can come off as awkward or lacking emotion.

Some feel Malek’s skills are overrated due to his Best Actor Oscar win for Bohemian Rhapsody, and that he benefited more from strong hair, makeup and costumes rather than his actual performance. The criticism is that he has limited ability to inhabit a role and relies too much on superficial imitation.

Rami Malek a One Trick Pony?

Critics who believe Rami Malek has a narrow acting range tend to see him as a “one trick pony” who excels at playing a certain prototype of a character but lacks versatility. The similarities between Elliot Alderson in Mr. Robot and Freddie Mercury in Bohemian Rhapsody reinforce this view:

• Both characters are socially awkward, unstable misfits
• Their unease and detachment from others is a key character trait
• Physical and verbal tics define their mannerisms (avoiding eye contact, mumbling/stuttering speech)

Unless Malek branches out into some radically different roles that show off greater emotional range, some will continue to criticize his skills as an actor as being limited in scope.

Perceived Lack of Star Power and Charisma

Another criticism occasionally lobbed at Rami Malek is that he lacks the on-screen charisma and star power to headline major films and draw in audiences. For example:

• His subdued acting style lacks magnetism and energy required of a leading man.
• Doesn’t have the commanding presence to carry a blockbuster or prestige picture that an actor like Christian Bale or Leonardo DiCaprio possesses.
• Malek’s characters are emotionally remote and closed-off, making it hard for audiences to connect and become invested in his roles.
• Not traditionally handsome enough to portray conventional Hollywood heroes or sex symbols.

This critique argues that Malek thrives better as a supporting actor used judiciously rather than the central focus carrying an entire film. It’s probably his biggest challenge to overcome if he wants to solidify true A-list status.

Can Rami Malek Open a Big Budget Movie?

Rami Malek has yet to headline a major blockbuster as its undisputed box office draw outside of the Freddie Mercury role in Bohemian Rhapsody. Some key questions around his star power:

• Does he have the charisma and acting dynamism to carry a summer tentpole film, like a superhero movie or action thriller?
• Can audiences accept him as a romantic or comedic lead outside his typical angsty loner roles?
• Will his muted and sometimes awkward style translate in big budget productions that require a larger than life presence?
• Does he have cross-over appeal beyond indie film/TV fans to become widely popular in mainstream Hollywood fare?

Upcoming roles, like a villain in the new Bond film, may help determine if Malek can successfully headline major studio films or if he’s better suited to supporting or character actor roles.

Perception He’s Overrated or “Over-Acting”

Some critics feel Rami Malek’s acting style comes across as obvious, mannered and a little pretentious at times. Arguments around this include:

• His unusual delivery and physicality can feel quite affected and self-consciously “actorly.”
• There is a tendency to overact – scenes sometimes feel more imitated than genuinely inhabited.
• Malek has a habit of relying on distracting vocal and physical tics in his portrayals.
• His role as Freddie Mercury was more defined by mimicking Mercury’s accent and movements than offering real depth.

The criticism is that Malek “acts at” a role rather than blending seamlessly into it, undermining emotional investment. However, defenders argue his unusual performance style brings intelligence and commitment to roles even if not seamless or naturalistic.

Does Rami Malek Sometimes Overact?

Some specific critiques that suggest Rami Malek veers into overacting at times:

• Very mannered physicality: His head movements and fidgety hand gestures can feel quite contrived.
• Distracting speech affectations: Overdone accents (Freddie Mercury) or unnatural rhythms (Eliot Alderson stutter).
• Over-the-top intensity: Scenes of emoting anger, sadness, etc often come off as more acting exercise than genuine feeling.
• Lack of spontaneity: Every word and gesture feels calculated and pre-determined rather than naturally arising from character and moment.
• Appears to be visibly “acting”: Malek doesn’t fully inhabit his roles – you can envision him making acting choices.

Defenders say he takes on challenging roles others would make bland, bringing bold choices and commitment. But critics argue it seems like unrealistic, theatrical acting at times – especially in more subdued scenes.

Backlash from Fame and Overexposure

Like many actors who reach a certain level of fame, Rami Malek has faced some backlash and overexposure fatigue from audiences. Some arguments around this include:

• His increased media visibility after Mr. Robot and Bohemian Rhapsody led to a sense of oversaturation.
• There’s a hipster backlash to his popularity – “I liked him before he got super famous.”
• Malek’s Oscar win for Bohemian Rhapsody was seen by some as undeserved or premature.
• His awkwardness and quirkiness seems less charming now that he’s a huge star.
• There’s a subconscious reaction against actors who get “too big too quickly” without necessarily paying dues.

This is a common phenomenon where unexpected breakout stars face extra scrutiny and critics looking to “take them down a peg.” Despite complaints of overexposure, Malek himself has remained relatively private.

Is Rami Malek Suffering from Overexposure?

Rami Malek rose to fame quite rapidly between starring on Mr. Robot and winning an Oscar for Bohemian Rhapsody. Some signs his newfound stardom may have led to overexposure fatigue:

• He went from relatively obscure to A-list celebrity quite quickly.
• Sudden ubiquity in magazines/websites after Oscar win led to possible burnout.
• Backlash to Bohemian Rhapsody likely tainted perceptions of his performance.
• Playing iconic figure like Freddie Mercury raised expectations and scrutiny unreasonably high.
• Reprising similar “tortured oddball” persona has gotten repetitive.
• Perception that he’s now pandering to mainstream with high profile roles.

However, Malek himself has done little press or publicity to court overexposure – this appears driven more by external factors like clickbait media.

Controversy Around Bohemian Rhapsody Film

While Rami Malek earned acclaim for his portrayal of Freddie Mercury in Bohemian Rhapsody, the film itself proved quite divisive among Queen fans and critics. This likely impacted perceptions of Malek as well.

• Queen fans objected to perceived historical inaccuracies.
• Critics panned the conventional, sanitized biopic approach.
• Many felt it skipped vital parts of Mercury’s life and sanitized his sexuality.
• Director Bryan Singer’s involvement was controversial due to past allegations.

So while Malek was praised for embodying Freddie Mercury’s spirit, the film itself was seen as an inadequate representation by some longtime Queen devotees. By extension, some of that frustration transferred to Malek and his performance.

Why Was Bohemian Rhapsody So Controversial?

Bohemian Rhapsody received some harsh critiques from reviewers and Queen fans, despite its commercial success:

• Inaccuracies: Many key events in Freddie Mercury’s life were fictionalized or altered.
• Sanitized portrayal: Avoiding deeper exploration of Mercury’s sexuality, relationships.
• Choppy narrative: Story jumps abruptly through time periods

Conclusion

In summary, Rami Malek is an actor who seems to spark strong reactions from both fans and critics. His unusual and committed acting style brings an offbeat intensity to his roles, but also leads to critiques of overacting or limited range.

As an unlikely breakout star, Malek suffered some backlash from rapid fame and high visibility. However, the polarized responses suggest Malek is an actor who takes bold risks, defies expectations and marches to his own beat. While his acting may not appeal to all tastes, Malek has carved out an eclectic career tackling roles less conventional leading men would avoid.

Despite detractors, he has undeniably left a mark through performances like his Emmy-winning turn as Elliot Alderson in Mr. Robot. Only time will tell if Malek can continue silencing critics by branching out into new characters and genres. But regardless of varying opinions on his talent, Malek himself remains admired for his humility, integrity and willingness to take on challenging material.

FAQs

Why do some people think Rami Malek is a bad actor?

Some critics argue Rami Malek has limited acting range, tends to play similar introverted loner characters, and relies too much on distracting physical and vocal tics. They feel he lacks emotional depth and versatility.

What was the controversy around Bohemian Rhapsody?

Many Queen fans and critics felt the film had historical inaccuracies, sanitized Freddie Mercury’s sexuality, and was a conventional biopic approach. Director Bryan Singer’s involvement also sparked backlash.

Is Rami Malek just famous for Mr. Robot?

While Mr. Robot was his breakout role, Malek earned widespread fame for playing Freddie Mercury in Bohemian Rhapsody. This culminated in winning the Best Actor Oscar in 2019.

Why do some people find Rami Malek overrated?

Some argue Malek is overrated due to perceptions he benefited more from hair/makeup/costumes than his acting skills in Bohemian Rhapsody. Others feel he didn’t deserve the Oscar for that performance.

What evidence is there that Rami Malek has limited acting range?

Critics argue he plays very similar socially awkward, intense loner characters. Apart from Mr. Robot and Bohemian Rhapsody, Malek has yet to show much versatility in different types of roles.