Variety’s Andrew Barker reviewed Love & Mercy from Toronto last September:
A wonderfully innervating cure for the common musical biopic, Bill Pohlad’s “Love & Mercy” vibrantly illuminates two major breakthroughs — one artistic, one personal — in the life of the Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson. Certainly more conventional than Todd Haynes’ fractured Bob Dylan collage “I’m Not There,” but miles removed from the cookie-cutter approach taken by so many other rock bios, this finely crafted split portrait should win over music nerds skeptical of yet another complicated life being reduced to a series of highlight-reel moments, and provided more mainstream auds are willing to take the trip, Paul Dano and John Cusack’s expert performances should attract an appreciative reception.
(Thanks to William Best for the tip)
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I saw this at the ATL film Fest last month and Dano gives a great performance. But the real standout to me was Elizabeth Banks as Brian’s current wife Melinda. She just seems to keep getting better and better. Also, I must mention her incredible mid to late 80s wardrobe which is definitely on point.
Cool! Can’t wait for this film! Amazing music and it looks like great acting, especially from Paul Dano!
Hopefully it will come to The Netherlands soon!
Possible finally Paul Dano gets his very overdue Oscar nomination.
Cusack is going to put the phrase “suspension of disbelief” to the test big time. He just wrecks it for me in this trailer.
So this is just John Cusack playing John Cusack while Paul Dano wastes his talents again. Skip. This looks like hot garbage.
BTW, I just want to give reference to the director Bill Pohlad. He is the brother of the owner of the Minnesota Twins, my hometown team. Pretty damn cool. 🙂
I heard that during the 1970s, Brian Wilson didn’t leave his bedroom for like 5 to 7 years. That he had people bring him the things he needed to live. That’s so sad. I’m glad he got over that.
I’m a big Beach Boys fan. Have been since I first heard Kokomo at the roller skating rink when I was a kid. I think Brian Wilson is one of the most tragic and yet fantastic figures in music history. Thanks goodness for his genious, and I hope this film does him justice. I can’t wait to see this this summer.