Is it legal to make a biographical film without the subjects consent?

[Esbifilms]

I'm very interested in making a biographical film about the childhood of somebody famous.
In the same was as 'Finding Neverland' tells the story of J.M.Barrie etc.

Is it legal to do this? For example about George Harrison's childhood. (random example, thats not my idea!)
Or is there some kind of bizarre 'copyright'-type thing stopping me from doing this?

Help is appreciated
Sophie Boyce

 

[barnaclelapse]

I'm pretty sure it is, but you could still very easily wind up getting sued.