Review of Love & Mercy (2015) by Lane B — 07 Jul 2015

Love & Mercy.

In theatres.

Rating: PG 13 121 minutes Biography.

Director: Bill Polhad.

Writers: Oren Moverman and Michael A. Lerner.

Starring: John Cusack (the Indie Kings of the 1980s - we loved him in "Say Anything"), Paul Dano (known for "There Will Be Blood" for which he received a BAFTA nomination and for "Little Miss Sunshine") and Elizabeth Banks (the two time Emmy nominee of "30 Rock" and actress in the Hungry Games series). Dano plays the younger Brian Wilson, while John Cusack plays the older version.

Everyone knows the Beach Boys and everyone knows who Brian Wilson is. He was the icon of the 1960s. He was much loved and had the albums to prove it. He was a "genius" with music. But his father was hard on him and abusive.

Brian needed a break from touring and wanted to record an album, (the now-legendary "Pet Sounds"). It was a flop. That's when Brian began heading voices.

The movie is told through flackbacks. Now, his in 40s (Cusack) was been manipulated by Dr. Eugene Landy, his psychiatrist who is played by Paul Giamatti. Brian is cut off from is family, and his only source of companionship is a female car salesperson from whom he bought a Cadillac.

Not much comedy to break up the misery. And, the love story fell a bit flat. Or maybe she felt sorry for him?

Pohlad is known for his producing ("12 Years a Slave," "Into the Wild" and "Brokeback Mountain") with two stints as a director. Moverman has written 11 script, and received an Oscar nomination for "The Messenger".