Review of Love & Mercy (2015) by Dawdlingpoet — 20 Nov 2021

This is a biographic music based drama, which includes/covers themes including psychotherapy, songwriting, therapy, self worth, mental health and trust. It is quite an atmospheric film from early on - I found myself feeling quite sorry for Brian, played by Paul Dano in the 1960s scenes. I should say early on that it doesn't shy away from the obviously quite big issues covered, so its quite an emotional watch. When I was young, my dad used to play the Beach Boys songs on a cassette tape in the car, when the two of us would go in to town, or to the country to ride my bike but in any case, I have fond memories of listening to their songs, such as Barbara-Anne, God Only Knows and so on. I have anxiety - I'm obviously not going to claim to have had issues on near the same level as Mr. Wilson has but I definitely did find myself re-thinking the meaning behind some of his songwriting work, such as the lyrics to 'God Only Knows'. It can come across as quite a dreamy love song but I can clearly see that he must have been in a dark place to have written such lyrics (look them up via Google if necessary). I could relate to his seeking solace in working on writing, as I also write sometimes in a sort of a therapeutic capacity but I suppose thats somewhat irrelevant.

I found it a very engrossing film, with different characters responding to Wilson's demeanour in various ways. Its quite unsettling at times, even perhaps a little spooky, although I'm not sure if thats the best way to word it but im not sure how else to. It gives an insight in to a clearly rather fragile mans life and may make the viewer wonder about how people (in terms of society back in the 60s-80s) overlooked those with such issues.

Cast wise, as mentioned Paul Dano plays Brian Wilson in the 1960s. He looks very much the part of a creative daydreaming young pop star type - clearly feeling a bit overwhelmed, anxious and depressed at times but not entirely wanting it to be known. As time moves on, you can clearly see the anguish on his face, as he tries to speak up, to have his feelings listened to via his music, although the consensus isn't greatly in favour of it after not so long. Meanwhile, in the 1980s, he's depicted by John Cusak, who I felt also did very well at showing him as a more weary, quieter and less socially engaged adult Brian Wilson. Another main character in the film is Melinda Ledbetter, a new friend Brian makes in the 1980s and who is played by Elizabeth Banks. She seems very caring and friendly and also concerned for Brians welfare. Meanwhile, the therapist, Dr. Eugene Landy, is played by Paul Giamatti. I found myself feeling quite uncomfortable while watching scenes with him in it, due to the way he responds to Brian, his harshness at times. He seems a somewhat manipulative type but I won't say much more, so as not to potentially give any spoilers.

Obviously, most of the music (if not all of the music) played in this film is that of The Beach Boys, so pretty mid-tempo 1960s vocal harmony/pop music. When I was growing up as a teenager in the 1990s, my favourite group were the Backstreet Boys, which, when I think about it, their music was a bit similar in terms of some of the mid tempo songs. If I remember right, they performed at an event for Brian Wilsons birthday back around about 2004 or thereabouts. Suffice to say the music is generally quite uplifting, even though its ironic given Brians issues.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, I found it quite a thought provoking film. It is quite relevant in a number of ways, not least the aspect of how fickle the music industry was and, I have little doubt, still is plus the social commentary aspects.

Content wise, the film contains some strong language (not especially graphic, perhaps moderate language may be more accurate term?) on a few instances, although its far from a regular occurence. There are numerous drug references and scenes depicting people passing around illegal drugs but there are no sex scenes and there are no violent scenes. The film isn't frightening in a visual sense as such but it does cover some dark themes and is unsettling, due to the plot, at times. I suppose its more sad than scary really. The film has been given a 12 rating in the UK due to this.

Another word I'd use, in relation to this film, is sobering. It is a rather sobering watch but it isn't utterly depressing as such - perhaps more philosophical? I'm not sure how to explain that either, I'm afraid. I would, however, also add the term bittersweet.

I would highly recommend this film as I felt it was well handed, with an interesting plot, good cast and it covers some important themes. It is a bit unsettling and sad at times but it is also thought provoking and I found it to be quite engrossing/atmospheric, so I'd definitely recommend it.