Review of Love & Mercy (2015) by James T — 04 Jun 2015

It could have taken the safe route and generated itself as the musical-biopic we are used to these days with linear tellings like WALK THE LINE or JERSEY BOYS. However LOVE & MERCY approaches things a bit differently... and it does it very well. John Cusack and Paul Dano deliver strong performances that fit together seamlessly as famed musician Brian Wilson. Rather than focus on the rise to fame, the film takes the path of Brian Wilson struggle with depression, schizophrenia and social anxiety. In doing so, the glitz and glamour fades as we are presented with a very human story few fail to realize is the center of what made The Beach Boys who they are.

Money machine, genius, icon, chess piece... It is a brilliant and oft misunderstood life that could have had tragic ends had it not been for a chance at love that changed it all...