Review of Love & Mercy (2015) by Fitopia T — 04 Aug 2015

Fascinating, tragic and inspiring; Love & Mercy explores the emotionally turbulent and musically brilliant times of Brian Wilson, co-founder and lead singer of the Beach Boys. Bill Pohlad's absorbing drama is unique from the traditional biopic concentrating on the underlying drama behind the music, rather than the music itself.

Brilliantly depicting a complex, creative and highly tortured man obsessed with pushing the boundaries of his talents whilst trying to survive against mounting pressure, the story cuts between key moments in two time windows of the singer/ songwriters life from the late 60s and 80s, both marvellously portrayed respectively by Paul Dano and John Cusack.

Rightly perceived as breezy through there wholesome, carefree, toe-tapping sound, this film bypasses the California Girls image of surf and sun, bikini ladies into the major conflicts with his band as he endeavours to make the greatest album ever through some unconventional methods.

It also brings light to the physical and mental abuse Wilson received at the hands of his record producer father (Bill Camp), Wilson's struggles with voices in his head and subsequent questionable medical care of Dr Eugene Landy (Paul Giamatti) as a self-appointed gate keeper.

Occasionally jarring and long winded in its editing, this movie shines through the stunning strength of its actors performances. There is charming chemistry between Cusack and an empathetic Cadillac dealer Melinda Ledbetter (Elizabeth Banks) who becomes Wilson's saviour (and future wife).

The Verdict: More interesting the well-executed, switch from major to minor key in seconds.

Published: Canberra Weekly Magazine.

Date of Publication: 16/07/2015.