Had to see it after reading the reviews. I give it a 10 out of 100. The constant back and forth switching between the young psychotic and the older psychotic, providing almost no incite into the intervening years, left me in a psychotic state.
This interesting, tragic story with a happy ending (revealed in a few paragraphs of text at the end) was stripped down to a two hour trailer.
This interesting, tragic story with a happy ending (revealed in a few paragraphs of text at the end) was stripped down to a two hour trailer.
1
I like probably most, if not all, of the commentators on here are a lifelong Brian Wilson/Beach Boys fan. As far as this film is concerned, it's a very difficult undertaking to try to depict on screen what is going through someone's mind and lets face, only Brian Wilson can understand completely. So I feel the script and director pushed to hard with the cerebral and sacrificed entertainment. The casting is flawless, the production design is excellent and there are good scenes but there needed to be some energy injected into the scenario and sadly, there was never a full song performed, it was all excepts, until the very end when the genius himself sings, and that was heartbreaking and wonderful at the same time. I didn't dislike Love & Mercy, I just wanted it be more like a traditional bio pic, contrary to the reviewers critique.
I was drawn to this person, this character portrayed by various actors. I never imagined that this brilliant person suffered so from his experiences as a child then to observe what he did to survive. All came to me that there are so many brilliant talented, compassionate individuals that are misunderstood and it took great pain and suffering for him to finally shine and be loved and respected. So moved and full of gratitude to have been able to have a peek inside this kind man and applaud that he was finally saved. Wonderful movie.
3
As a Californian and a Beach Boys fan, and after reading the positive reviews of the movie, I went into my theater with high hopes, only to be disappointed. The moviemakers--director, actors, sound, set, and costume designers--are clearly all talented people and cared about this story, and the result is a well-made movie. But I found something inert about it and it felt at least 20 minutes too long. I went hoping to be more uplifted and inspired by the act of creating beautiful music; instead, the movie's portrayal of creativity is the familiar trope of tortured, mentally unstable genius (I know a little of Brian Wilson's sad story and recognize that fidelity to that is a constraint). To me, this is one of those movies that proves that a movie can be intelligent and accomplished and still not be a really enjoyable moviegoing experience.
1
"The movie is careful not to push too far into Freudian psychodrama. Brian's mental collapse is not directly attributed to his abusive father or the pressures of fame," says the reviewer.
In nearly every review I read by Scott, I get a sense that he is uncomfortable with, well, reality.
The movie didn't have to 'directly attribute' it. Psychological abuse is behind most mental illness. Sometimes people who were abused become abusers. In other cases, they become mentally ill or substance abusers. In other cases, they become uncommonly creative as a refuge from the abuse. Sometimes it's a combination of these.
That's not "Freudian psychodrama." That's reality. Is that too painful to acknowledge?
In nearly every review I read by Scott, I get a sense that he is uncomfortable with, well, reality.
The movie didn't have to 'directly attribute' it. Psychological abuse is behind most mental illness. Sometimes people who were abused become abusers. In other cases, they become mentally ill or substance abusers. In other cases, they become uncommonly creative as a refuge from the abuse. Sometimes it's a combination of these.
That's not "Freudian psychodrama." That's reality. Is that too painful to acknowledge?
3
Having a family member with mental illness I strongly disagree. The movie was correct to not directly attribute mental illness to an abusive father. The mother was never portrayed, but the story suggested she may have been mentally ill.
You are citing a view of the cause of mental illness that is as historic as Wilson's greatest hits in the 1960's. This view that parental psychological abuse causes mental illness has been discredited.
Today we know that there is a very strong genetic component to the disease, and this is why the disease trends in families. As the understanding of the brain chemistry of mentally ill people increased, the drugs used to treat mental illness have improved greatly since the 1970's.
Environmental factors such as exposure to malnutrition, viruses, and drugs before birth are thought to be possible contributors to the disease, but the specific causes aren't known.
You are citing a view of the cause of mental illness that is as historic as Wilson's greatest hits in the 1960's. This view that parental psychological abuse causes mental illness has been discredited.
Today we know that there is a very strong genetic component to the disease, and this is why the disease trends in families. As the understanding of the brain chemistry of mentally ill people increased, the drugs used to treat mental illness have improved greatly since the 1970's.
Environmental factors such as exposure to malnutrition, viruses, and drugs before birth are thought to be possible contributors to the disease, but the specific causes aren't known.
8
I just saw this movie tonight, and I loved it! One thing that I took away from it was the sheer JOY of creating music that was such a part of the Beach Boys, in spite of their squabbles... and the sound production made me happy I'd seen it in a movie theater. Sure, Brian had his issues, but in the end, it's the music that people will remember. This movie so magically presented the delighted involvement of the young Brian Wilson in his creative process. All that wipes out the rather repulsive Landy, and the sadness of the older Brian... Paul Dano I must say, was great. Well, so was Cusack, but Dano MADE the movie!
7
Maybe not being a fan of their music influenced me negatively but I found this movie pretty dull and undramatic. Watching someone make music, unless you're a musician maybe, is not very interesting, and the extended scenes of it in this film slowed it down tremendously.
The family drama and Brian's demons were far more interesting but given shorter screen time. Plus we never really got deep into the brother's relationships and dad came off as a tyrant cliche.
The actors were what held my attention. Both Cusack and Banks were terrific, tho the former played 'dull' too often and came off as bored and medicated.
I do agree with Scott, a rarity, that the film did the biopic in a different style than what we're used to, for that I give the writer props. Unfortunately if fell flat for this viewer. Nice try.
The family drama and Brian's demons were far more interesting but given shorter screen time. Plus we never really got deep into the brother's relationships and dad came off as a tyrant cliche.
The actors were what held my attention. Both Cusack and Banks were terrific, tho the former played 'dull' too often and came off as bored and medicated.
I do agree with Scott, a rarity, that the film did the biopic in a different style than what we're used to, for that I give the writer props. Unfortunately if fell flat for this viewer. Nice try.
1
Having grown up with the Beach Boys, I have an emotional relationship with the music and with Brian in particular. I love Brian, for what he and the band have given me musically over the decades. Much of the backstory depicted in the film was known to me and it was so well reproduced. The sets and costumes were perfect, and the acting was uniformly superb. Using two actors to portray Brian was ingenious. The editing was perfect. I never thought, oh, there's Paul Dano, now there's John Cusack. It was always just Brian. I enjoyed learning how Brian and Melinda met, and how crucial she was to his survival.
A minor complaint: other than Mike Love, the Beach Boys were so generically cast that it was hard to tell them apart. I suppose there was no pressing reason to highlight the fact that Dennis was drop-dead gorgeous, Carl was chubby, and Al was really short...but for a fanatic fan like me it diminished the realism factor just a little bit.
I don't know if younger folks who are unfamiliar with the Beach Boys will like this film. If nothing else, I hope they'll see it as a way of introducing themselves to the music. But it's impossible for me to be objective: I sobbed through the ending credits as we see the real Brian Wilson sing "Love and Mercy" with his current band. I would have to add "Gratitude," because that's how I feel about Brian.
A minor complaint: other than Mike Love, the Beach Boys were so generically cast that it was hard to tell them apart. I suppose there was no pressing reason to highlight the fact that Dennis was drop-dead gorgeous, Carl was chubby, and Al was really short...but for a fanatic fan like me it diminished the realism factor just a little bit.
I don't know if younger folks who are unfamiliar with the Beach Boys will like this film. If nothing else, I hope they'll see it as a way of introducing themselves to the music. But it's impossible for me to be objective: I sobbed through the ending credits as we see the real Brian Wilson sing "Love and Mercy" with his current band. I would have to add "Gratitude," because that's how I feel about Brian.
7
Just wondering...with such a glowing review, why wasn't this designated a Critic's Pick? I noticed that none of the films with strong reviews this week received Critic's Pick designations. Has the NYT dropped this status?
Journeywoman,
You'll find a link to this review on the Movie homepage under Critic's Picks.
You'll find a link to this review on the Movie homepage under Critic's Picks.
Thanks. Up until a week or two ago, they used to note the distinction next to the film's title on the film review page, too.
Simply said, a wonderful movie.
1
... and Roky Erikson
I saw an interview with one of the original Beach Boys who stated they were feeling really good about them selves after " Pet Sounds" until they heard "Sgt Pepper" and felt as though the Beatles had just got up and walked away from everyone in the business. I guess it sort of drives home how much great stuff was happening in the music industry during those years. They are both exceptional time pieces of that era , and what an era it must have been.
5
I am a patient of Brian Wilson. Over the years (I'm talking, a lot of them now) he has healed me big time. I can't wait to go to my next next session at a local theater.
6
This was my favorite of the ten movies I saw at the SF film festival. I've been waiting for someone to make a great movie about Brian Wilson and this is it. It's got every theme you want in a movie--the creative process, mental illness, family dynamics and the redemptive powers of love and perseverance. I saw it with a large group and everyone loved it. Highly recommended.
5
In the early 1970s my boyfriend was a patient of Gene Landy. He asked me to go to some sessions with him and eventually I saw Landy individually. During one session, out of nowhere, Landy picked up the phone and called my boyfriend, telling him to come to the office immediately. He was in a class and asked if it was important. Landy said yes. To my great surprise, when my boyfriend arrived, Landy told him that I needed a commitment from him and performed a ceremony of sorts. (We broke up shortly thereafter and I never saw either of them again.) There was a psychiatrist in an adjoining office--on Robertson Blvd.--who handled the prescriptions that Landy thought were indicated for his patients (including my boyfriend). Who prescribed the medication for Brian Wilson, I wonder.
13
"Love & Mercy" is a touching and beautifully acted movie. Baby boomers will appreciate the verisimilitude of the '60s scenes, e.g., the supposedly idyllic California backyard-pool parties and silly "Hullabaloo"-style TV shows. Having two actors portraying Brian Wilson was no problem for me, and in fact made perfect sense to me. Paul Dano, John Cusack and Elizabeth Banks are excellent. Brian Wilson's melodies are haunting or just a hoot (i.e., "I get Around") and carry the movie along, as do the studio scenes. I agree with the poster below that it's Oscar-worthy.
5
Saw it today (senior's day) and was blown away. Cost me $6.25, would have paid twice as much any day. Oscar worthy, in my opinion.
12
Wonderful movie about Brian Wilson--his creativity, mental health struggles and his music. Just pointing out that it is not a Beach Boys concert, which it was never intended to be.
11
This is a great movie, not perfect but better than anything playing now.
This is also a great review as always from Mr. Scott.
I'm surprised at his not commenting on how John Cusack doesn't bear much resemblance to Mr. Wilson during this time.
This is hardly as bad as Anthony Hopkins in "Nixon" where there's absolutely no resemblance, but this detracts from the film.
This is also a great review as always from Mr. Scott.
I'm surprised at his not commenting on how John Cusack doesn't bear much resemblance to Mr. Wilson during this time.
This is hardly as bad as Anthony Hopkins in "Nixon" where there's absolutely no resemblance, but this detracts from the film.
3
"“Love & Mercy” doesn’t claim to solve the mystery of Brian Wilson, but it succeeds beyond all expectation in making you hear where he was coming from."
Mr. Pohlad seems to understand, as too few do, that mysteries present themselves to us not as problems to be solved, but as encounters to be experienced, deepened and savored. And this is what he invites us so well to do.
Mr. Pohlad seems to understand, as too few do, that mysteries present themselves to us not as problems to be solved, but as encounters to be experienced, deepened and savored. And this is what he invites us so well to do.
20
What's interesting is that Bob Yeoman filmed Love and Mercy, he filmed SPY, which also opened this weekend in addition to all the films of Wes Anderson. Bob must be a very versatile cinematographer. Celluloid with Wes Anderson and digital with Paul Feig and Love and Mercy. Nicely done !
5
Mr. Wilson was broken by his childhood and the sadness in many of his songs was felt by many of us who shared broken childhoods. Listening to In My Room you could feel his pain.
7
Don't miss this movie. It is not just about the music. It lets you in to Brian Wilson's head which was disaster and genius.
17
Gene Landy was the first therapist I ever saw, in the early 1970s before he met Brian Wilson. He was not a physician. He did have a Ph.D., however. (Told me that if he could do it, anyone could!)
2
I just saw the Brian Wilson Biopic LOVE & MERCY. Powerful, sad, evocative, educing. Excellent acting by Paul Dano (young Brian) and John Cusak (older), and Elizabeth Banks. (Paul Giamatti is a little off at times) They hit just the right note by underplaying many scenes, especially the end, that make it so powerful. I am glad the credits were so long so I could stop crying before the house lights came up. Just made it. It is that good.
20
I held it together when they played Wouldn't it be Nice at the end. Tears started rolling down my face during Love and Mercy during the credits. Totally heartbreaking to see what he went through, both by being misunderstood and unappreciated, not to mention what his dad did to those kids.
9
I couldn't agree more with your comments, and thank you for admitting that it made you cry. It did the same for me, throughout most of the film actually, and I could not keep it together at the end. As you said, the extra long credits allowed me to use my concession stand napkins to wipe the tears from my eyes before the house lights came up. This is totally an Oscar worthy film. I don't even know where to begin with the nominations, but Paul Dano is one of them for sure.
10
Saw this tonight and cannot wait to see it again. Wonderful performance from Paul Dano and an absolute dream of a score by Atticus Ross (the guy who scored Social Network) who creates lush diaphanous aural collages from the original recordings.
9
I am a huge fan and I must admit I was skeptical about the John Cusack latter-day Brian Wilson concept. Instead, I was blown away. Cusack and Dano pulled it off, and Elizabeth Banks was also great. The scenes in the studio with the Wrecking Crew were absolutely enthralling for any fan of "Pet Sounds." Considering how deep and complicated Wilson's life has been, the movie did a great job of zeroing in on two crucial turning points in his life: the recording of his masterpiece and his triumph over Dr. Landy, who helped him out of his shell before turning into an agent of ill will. Highly recommended to anyone who loves the music.
32
My first opportunity to see Brian Wilson in concert was May 2007 in the small John Harms Theatre in Englewood, NJ. The experience was amazing. It is easy to see that life is not easy for Brian these days but the "Love and Mercy" he shares with each and every live performance I have witnessed of his has been a blessing. Brian Wilson is a national treasure. We are lucky to still have him.
18
Too much head not enough heart. And nowhere near enough music. The process of writing is fascinating and so is the manifestation of mental illness. The idea of splitting the role is intriguing but didn't work for me because it stopped forward motion. When the present was moving forward the past would intrude. And visa versa. The result was stasis and indifference and frustration. Sorry. I love the B-Boys. Still do. But communicating a story is more important than experimenting with the telling.
4
The Beach Boys were and still are one of Rock's great groups. Their music is timeless in its beauty and relevance. Listening to the buoyant surfing sounds and the California lifestyle stories of the 60's always brings back good memories of fun times with good friends. I eagerly look forward to seeing this movie and I almost never go to the movies anymore. Thank you to all involved in this effort.
6
I was lucky enough to see this movie at SXSW and I loved it. As for so many people the music of the Beach Boys was the soundtrack for my teens and they were the first rock concert I ever went to. The use of Dano and Cusack to play Wilson at different parts of his life works really well and is a reminder that none of us are the same person we once were. Dano, sweet and innocently obsessed, clueless to the danger he embraces. Cusack is the man transformed by suffering and the battles he had to fight and tried so hard to avoid. I won't go on and on, but I did want to back up Scott's review. The audience at the Austin screening were ecstatic, which is what happens when one finally sees a really good movie that makes brave creative choices and breaks new ground.
56
Saw it today. Love and Mercy is more than a really good movie... it's a great movie.
4
A brave creative choice would have been to empower someone to edit the film down by eliminating about 45 minutes.
2
Can't wait to see this movie. I graduated high school and went off to Vietnam listening to the Beach Boys. I was such a huge BB fan that I actually resented the Beatles (I know there's no real connection) and to this very day, have never really regarded them with anything approaching affection.
It saddened me to learn, years later, of Brian Wilson's mental health struggles. I hope he's found some peace, I'm glad he found Melinda, she appears to be the quintessential 'California girl'.'
It saddened me to learn, years later, of Brian Wilson's mental health struggles. I hope he's found some peace, I'm glad he found Melinda, she appears to be the quintessential 'California girl'.'
14
I hope Brian Wilson's first wife, Marilyn Wilson, doesn't get the short end of the stick in this movie. She really bore the brunt of his breakdown and tried very hard to keep the household and Brian together, while raising two little girls.
19
Unfortunately, she kind of does get short shrift. But the film had to be selective in what it depicted -- it was not his entire life.
6
She does not. It's stated clearly that she did all she could yo make Brian happy, but he was unable to be a husband or father,
15
Haven't seen it yet, but Pohlad gets a definitive "no class" award for his public deprecation of "I'm Not There" by Todd Haynes in the earlier Times article. Haynes made an indelible biopic that is as yet unequaled in its intimately knowledgable scholarship and aesthetic risk. To read such a drab, thoughtless comment as "admirable effort" from Pohlad does not speak well of the prospective sophistication and power of his own work.
3
You are getting bent out of shape over a single comment. Bill Pohlad is using the writer from "I'm Not There", so he could not have thought it was that bad.
He only thought it was a bit of a stretch and did not feel that he himself need not go that far.
By the way, I really liked "I'm Not There" and am not the least bothered by Mr. Pohlad's comment.
He only thought it was a bit of a stretch and did not feel that he himself need not go that far.
By the way, I really liked "I'm Not There" and am not the least bothered by Mr. Pohlad's comment.
16
I've been a fan of Elizabeth Banks since the 1st Pitch Perfect. Give her more movies. I love watching her.
7
That was not that long ago.
3
She was unforgettable in The 40 Year Old Virgin.
2
First of all, go watch "40-year-old Virgin" right now. Second, if you love her you will love this movie.
2
Pau Dano is highly underrated.
28
Don't know about underrated. Maybe "underdiscovered." Loved him in Little Miss Sunshine.
2
I remember seeing him first in There Will Be Blood and thinking who is this guy? He was fantastically awful as an evangelical (meaning he played the role very well). Creepy. He was so young . Since then, I've seen him in very different roles, always good, which demos his talent. Glad to see him as leading man - very talented!!!
8
I agree. I think Paul Dano was simply amazing in "Little Miss Sunshine" - he was really the emotional center of the movie. More Paul Dano please!!
8
I can't wait to see this film. Simply LISTENING to the Beach Boys' music is enough to get me into the theater. I am glad it is judged to be good by this reviewer, but I would go regardless simply to hear Brian et al sing these amazing compositions.
9
This is the best trailer for a film about creativity and mental health that I have yet seen.
5
Trailer good.
Movie bad.
Movie bad.
"LOVE AND MERCY": I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE IT . . .
There have been many great R&R documentaries. One of the best was Scorsese's THE LAST WALTZ which concerned itself with the final concert of THE BAND. There are others...
But, when it comes to dramatic movies which deal with real artists (The Four Seasons, James Brown and, ... not great art).
A. O. Scott's review in todays newspaper and his addition of it being a "NYT Critics' Pick" has made this a must see event for me.
Brian Wilson and The Beachboys have always been to me as music for the ages. And, the story of Wilson's seemingly continuing bouts with serious mental illness and the role of the father, in and of itself make for interesting and sad drama.
The R&R music generated in the 1960s and 1970s may seem to be pale by comparison when compared to classical music ... but, The Beachboys, Beatles, Rolling Stones... will one day represent an important part of our musical heritage the for many years to come.
There have been many great R&R documentaries. One of the best was Scorsese's THE LAST WALTZ which concerned itself with the final concert of THE BAND. There are others...
But, when it comes to dramatic movies which deal with real artists (The Four Seasons, James Brown and, ... not great art).
A. O. Scott's review in todays newspaper and his addition of it being a "NYT Critics' Pick" has made this a must see event for me.
Brian Wilson and The Beachboys have always been to me as music for the ages. And, the story of Wilson's seemingly continuing bouts with serious mental illness and the role of the father, in and of itself make for interesting and sad drama.
The R&R music generated in the 1960s and 1970s may seem to be pale by comparison when compared to classical music ... but, The Beachboys, Beatles, Rolling Stones... will one day represent an important part of our musical heritage the for many years to come.
13
"The first thing you see in 'Love & Mercy' is an extreme close-up of Brian Wilson’s ear." I wonder, was it his deaf right ear, the one frequently attributed to a blow to the head from his father? Was it his deaf ear that made him able to hear with such acuity both outside and inside his head? The one that made him prefer monophonic recordings, like the original version of "Pet Sounds," to stereo, which he says he couldn't hear anyway How much did it contribute to his unique gift to write such sublimely beautiful, emotionally revealing music, to hear those "Good Vibrations?? Was the first image at the start of the film of his right ear, or his left ear? Does it really matter at all?
12
WRW: Yes, it matters. Thank you for this inciteful question ! Well done.
2
I had no idea this film was coming. I cannot wait to see it. Brian Wilson is one of the most underrated composers of our time. He belongs right up there with Gershwin and Rodgers and Hart (or Hammerstein - depending on your preference)
http://www.tomdegan.blogspot.com
Tom Degan
http://www.tomdegan.blogspot.com
Tom Degan
21
Didn't you forget Joni Mitchell and Paul and John? I think so.
7
and Paul Simon.
3
...and Bob Dylan..
This films which deals with the triple intersection of genius, madness and having had a brutal father ... followed by a faux therapist who manipulated him so as to become his authoritarian savior to bilk him of much money ... and attempting to destroy him through complete control.
Though this movie is a bit too Hollywoodish in a cosmetic approach ... it does capture the sensitivity and many psychological problems which is apparent of Brian Wilson in a quite empathetic manner.
Beginning with teen pop surfer music ... Brian Wilson wanted to transcend the genre. And, he did ... as he made me cognizant of the fact that good music can cover a wide range ... from Bach to genius music under the rubric of popular music.
Well worth seeing ... now on the EPIC premium channel ON/DEMAND.