Biopic: meaning, definitions and examples

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biopic

 

[ ˈbaɪoʊpɪk ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

genre of film

A biopic, short for biographical picture, is a film that dramatizes the life of a historical figure, celebrity, or significant person. These films often portray key events and milestones in the subject's life, providing insight into their personality, struggles, and achievements. Biopics aim to educate viewers about the individual’s impact on society while also providing entertainment. The narrative may incorporate both factual events and dramatized scenarios to create a compelling story.

Synonyms

biographical film, biographical movie, documentary film, life story

Examples of usage

  • The new biopic about Marie Curie has received critical acclaim.
  • He starred in a biopic that detailed the life of the famous musician.
  • The biopic provided a glimpse into the life of one of history's greatest leaders.

Translations

Translations of the word "biopic" in other languages:

🇵🇹 biografia cinematográfica

🇮🇳 जीवनी फिल्म

🇩🇪 Biopic

🇮🇩 film biografi

🇺🇦 біографічний фільм

🇵🇱 biografia filmowa

🇯🇵 伝記映画

🇫🇷 film biographique

🇪🇸 biopic

🇹🇷 biyografi filmi

🇰🇷 전기 영화

🇸🇦 فيلم سيرة ذاتية

🇨🇿 biografický film

🇸🇰 biografický film

🇨🇳 传记电影

🇸🇮 biografski film

🇮🇸 lífssaga

🇰🇿 биография фильмі

🇬🇪 ბიოგრაფიული ფილმი

🇦🇿 bioqrafik film

🇲🇽 biopic

Etymology

The term 'biopic' originated in the early 20th century as a shorthand for 'biographical picture.' The first examples of this genre can be traced back to silent films that depicted the lives of famous individuals, often with an educational intent. The concept gained significant traction in Hollywood during the mid-20th century as filmmakers sought to dramatize the rich stories of influential figures. Over the decades, biopics have evolved, with filmmakers focusing not only on well-known personalities but also on lesser-known stories that deserve attention. The genre has produced critically acclaimed films covering a wide array of subjects, from music legends to political figures, showcasing the diverse tapestry of human experience. The term 'biopic' is now widely recognized and encompasses a variety of storytelling styles, including dramatized re-enactments and documentary-like narratives.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,098, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.