Post by kds on May 19, 2020 12:57:59 GMT
After nearly 30 years, the Brian Wilson story finally makes it onto the big screen. Although, from a marketing perspective, it still feels odd to be that Team Brian, who obviously wanted to further the Brian Wilson Brand in 2015, signed off on the film getting such a limited release. Especially when you consider the star power involved.
But, anyway. As a movie and a biopic, the movie works. Especially if you're a music geek, as some of the young Brian scenes focus more on the making of Pet Sounds than the narrative.
My big gripe in this movie is that it pushes the tired narrative that Pet Sounds and Smile are the be all / end all of Brian Wilson's career. The Beach Boys pre PS years are taken care of during an opening credits montage. The post Smile material is heard in snippets in the film's score.
Some of the Landy scenes are truly hard to watch. Seriously, who grills one burger at a time? No wonder they stripped him of his license. Obviously, Melinda's role as Brian's savior is somewhat exaggerated, and 1985 Carl is only mentioned when Melinda is having a one sided phone conversation.
But, the performances really drive the movie, and make it worth the price of admission. Paul Dano is terrific as young Brian (interestingly, he's on tap to play The Riddler). Most surprisingly, John Cusack (who I originally thought was a terrible choice) was quite good as older Brian. Paul Giamatti, who is becoming a mainstay in biopics, is great as always. Elizabeth Banks does a very good job as Melinda.
But, anyway. As a movie and a biopic, the movie works. Especially if you're a music geek, as some of the young Brian scenes focus more on the making of Pet Sounds than the narrative.
My big gripe in this movie is that it pushes the tired narrative that Pet Sounds and Smile are the be all / end all of Brian Wilson's career. The Beach Boys pre PS years are taken care of during an opening credits montage. The post Smile material is heard in snippets in the film's score.
Some of the Landy scenes are truly hard to watch. Seriously, who grills one burger at a time? No wonder they stripped him of his license. Obviously, Melinda's role as Brian's savior is somewhat exaggerated, and 1985 Carl is only mentioned when Melinda is having a one sided phone conversation.
But, the performances really drive the movie, and make it worth the price of admission. Paul Dano is terrific as young Brian (interestingly, he's on tap to play The Riddler). Most surprisingly, John Cusack (who I originally thought was a terrible choice) was quite good as older Brian. Paul Giamatti, who is becoming a mainstay in biopics, is great as always. Elizabeth Banks does a very good job as Melinda.