Review of Love & Mercy (2015) by Gordon H — 05 Jul 2015
A riveting and exceptional film showcasing two turbulent time periods in the life of one of America's greatest musicians---Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys! At first glance, one might think that this film would be just one more biopic about one more famous person in our entertainment history.
But this fantastic film has so much more to offer. The life of Brian Wilson had more than enough material to provide any screenwriter with crazy ideas to sell to any big shot Hollywood producer. Incredible rise to fame? Check.
Difficulty coping with that fame? Check. Sex as a means of coping? Check. Drugs as a means of coping? Check. Finally losing it all because of a battle with all of the above? You got it! But the story of Brian Wilson doesn't end there.
In fact, that's kind of where "Love & Mercy" begins. By telling the story of how "past-Brian" (Paul Dano) composed the critically acclaimed "Pet Sounds" in the 1960s and "present-Brian" (John Cusack) met and fell in love with the woman who saved his life from the pharmacological and legal machinations of his therapist, Dr.
Eugene "Gene" Landry (Paul Giamatti), and eventually became his second wife, Melinda Ledbetter (Elizabeth Banks), in the 1980s, "Love & Mercy" tells a riveting story of one man who overcomes horrifying odds to once again make the kind of music he wants to make.
Any fan of the Beach Boys, or of Brian Wilson himself, must see this film!
This review of Love & Mercy (2015) was written by Gordon H on 05 Jul 2015.
Love & Mercy has generally received very positive reviews.
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