Review of Love & Mercy (2015) by Ginak — 06 Jun 2015

I admired and was moved by this film even though I barely know who The Beach Boys are and don’t particularly care for Brian Wilson’s music. Paul Dano and John Cusack were both wonderful, especially in the way they mirrored each other and became one person, which was almost miraculous.

But great as everyone was, I thought Elizabeth Banks was best of all because she always seemed so believable and genuine, even when she was obviously getting involved with someone who had serious problems.

Wilson’s luck finally turned with her. The only problem I had was with Paul Giamatti who sadly seemed more “over the top” and cartoonish than the sinister figure he was portraying. Although this film told an old story – about a gifted "suffering" artist – it was not hackneyed but instead fresh and always interesting, even if perhaps a bit too long.