When I heard there was a movie about the Beach Boys I thought, "Yes!" I, for one, always loved the extraordinary harmonies of the California group. Remember their classics? I still like to listen to Barbara Ann, Sloop John B, I Get Around, Surfing USA, California Girls, and the 1989 smash hit Kokomo.
Of course I expected lots of Beach Boys songs in the movie. Well, yes, there was a bit of music. But mostly the focus of the flick Love and Mercy is about Brian Wilson. So this is really a biography about one of the Beach Boys rather than a history of the group or a review of their fantastic songs.
Never the spoiler, I won't say much more. But suffice it say that you will be entranced by the story of Brian Wilson. He was the major creative impulse behind the Beach Boys, much as John Lennon was with the Beatles.
I had no idea that the gifted songwriter was a very troubled soul. How? Can't give it away. Yet as is often the case, great geniuses are frequently plagued with neurosis and anxiety. Brian was no exception. It is worth seeing the movie to learn how he coped with his emotional troubles, found the lady of his life, and fought life's battles with a continued devotion to music.
Great acting in the film: Paul Dano plays the young Brian Wilson with intensity. John Cusack plays the older musician with even more subtlety. Elizabeth Banks is a knockout as the girlfriend who meets Brian later in life and bravely helps him. And don't miss a fantastic performance by Paul Giamatti, who is the rather despicable psychologist.
After viewing this film, you will have a new appreciation for the Beach Boys and the man who wrote so many of the great songs.
Grade of A. Definitely a must-see!
