Review by Alyn Darnay
Directed by: Bill Pohlad
Cast: John Cusack, Paul Dano, Elizabeth Banks, Paul Giamatti
“God only knows what I’d be without you†is a very familiar lyric. It’s from a song on The Beach Boys 1966 “Pet Sounds†Album. It’s a seminal tune from the unfettered genius of the group’s leader and songwriter Brian Wilson, arguably one of the most important figures in American popular music. This extraordinary Biopic paints an unconventional portrait of Wilson as the mercurial singer/songwriter he is, whose abilities came at astonishing high personal cost. Whither you’re a Beach Boys fan, or just know the music, or you’re discovering it here for the first time, you’ll find this intimate examination of Wilson’s life and creative process truly fascinating in Love & Mercy.
Here’s The Storyline:
The film is about two distinct time periods in Brian Wilson’s life, both being told simultaneously, the 1960’s and the 1980’s respectively; major turning points for him. In the 60s, young musical savant Wilson (Dano) is riding the crest of extraordinary success after hitting big with a series of hit records when he’s struck by a panic attack. As the attacks increase and his grip on reality slowly unravels he stops touring with the band and dedicates his life to creating the ‘best album ever made’, “Pet Soundsâ€. At the same time in the 80’s, middle-aged Wilson (Cusack) is a broken, bewildered, and befuddled man under the psychological, pharmacological and legal control of shady therapist, Dr. Eugene Landy (Giamatti). When a chance meeting with Cadillac saleswoman Melinda Ledbetter (Banks) sets his restoration and rebirth on a collision course with reality, a fight to save his life begins.
Love and Mercy is engaging on many levels, and they all work wonderfully. I particularly loved the vision of Paul Dano’s interaction with the ‘clueless’ studio musicians as he struggled to get his ideas on tape, and I can’t say enough about John Cusack’s sterling performance either (probably his best ever) as a shattered shell of a human being, it’s a must see. Then there’s director Bill Pohlad’s unique ability to move seamlessly back and forth between two realities, it’s so vivid and interesting you can’t help but get involved in the story. Additionally, there’s the beautiful Elizabeth Banks’ Melinda (Brian’s second wife), she plays her so well, and she’s such a sweetheart that all you want to do is hug her.
This is deeply satisfying pop biopic, rife with everything a film about a musician can hold. Even the music is superb; it’ll keep you tapping your foot as it moves from familiar tune to familiar tune. And as if all that isn’t enough, after all is said and done and finished, up pops the real Brian Wilson like the icing on a sweet cake singing his heart out at the piano. What more could you want from a film?!!
So, my take, “God only knows what American pop music would have been without Brian Wilson†I recommend you see this film, its release is small so you’ll have to look for it, but it’s well worth the search.
Rating: 4-1/2 Stars (out of 5) “Love & Mercy†is Rated PG-13 (for thematic elements, drug content and language) Running Time: 2 Hrs