Review of Nowhere Boy (2009) by Dean M — 13 Aug 2011
Poignant and powerful! From the heart lifting opener to the heart wrenching final Nowhere Boy is an absolute joy.
Before being Kick-Ass, likely Aaron Johnson took on another challenging "superhero" of even scarier proportions - John Lennon. Similar in approach to Coco Avant Chanel and My Brother, Bruce Lee, Nowhere Boy presents a respectful yet robust look at a pop culture icon before he became bigger than yellow submarines.
Based on a contentious memoir written by Lennon's half sister, this portrait of the artist as a teen scouser experimenting with greasy haircuts, unknown futures and rock'n'roll's sexier dimensions feels more lived-in than many other starchy biopics. British artist-turned-director Sam Taylor Wood (real-life Johnson's fiancée) uses period detail for engagement rather than show, and the central thrust of junior Lennon being torn between his free-wheelin' ma (beauty Anne-Marie Duff) and guardian aunt (Kristin Scott Thomas, superb) actually has legs as formative drama, not merely as fodder for a quiz night.
How accurate it all is plays second fiddle to creative reflection, the balance of Beatles' titbits and boy-man issues feeding well into an over-exposed legend. Surrounded by powerful, gracious women who let their leading man retain centre stage, Johnson's renegade pulse is never faked. Star is born.
This review of Nowhere Boy (2009) was written by Dean M on 13 Aug 2011.
Nowhere Boy has generally received positive reviews.
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