Brian Wilson Hits The Big Screen
‘Love and Mercy,’ the forthcoming biopic about the life of Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys, made its debut at the Toronto International Film Festival last week and looks set to be released from the end of the year.
The film, directed by Bill Pohlad, stars Paul Dano as the younger Brian, pictured above, with John Cusack playing him as an older man. Each of the other Beach Boys is depicted in the film, which also has Paul Giamatti as Wilson’s erstwhile “guru” Dr. Eugene Landy, Jonathan Slavin as Phil Spector and Max Schneider as Van Dyke Parks.
Movie site IMDB currently lists the film as having its release in Australia and New Zealand on Boxing Day, December 26, and in Portugal on January 15, 2015.
Brian Wilson pictured with John Cusack (left) and Paul Dano (right) at the Toronto International Film Festival premiere of ‘Love and Mercy’
Last October, Wilson told Billboard: “The guy who plays me, John Cusack, he’s really good. And he sings well.” He added: “It’s quite a thrill to have a movie made of my life. I’m very sentimental about it, and it’s very, very good. It was a trip to see. The actors and actresses portrayed everybody really well.”
British newspaper The Guardian described the movie as a “warm tribute” in a three-star review from the Toronto festival last week. The Hollywood Reporter saw it as “An unusual, moving portrait stuffed with the thrill of music-making,” while Variety called it a “finely crafted split portrait.”
UK English
Tami
September 16, 2014 at 11:46 pm
Do you know when it will be released here in the US, So. California?
Penny Williams
September 17, 2014 at 2:23 am
Really looking forward to seeing this film. Have been a fan of Brian’s music since I was18 when I knew he was the brains behind the music of the Beach Boys. I lived in the San Fernando Valley at that time, but my grandmother lived in Lawndale, a community west of Hawthorn, and me and my mom would visit her every weekend…Yes! I was a Valley Girl, but also a Beach girl.. I Finally met Brian after he did a fabulous show with the then Wondermints at Darien Lake, New York, around 2000. I love his solo work!,I’ve seen 5 of his solo shows: All while living in this small village about an hour north of Darien Lake, in the western part of New York: Santa Barabara Bowl, The Beacon Theatre, twice, Radio City Music Hall and Darien Lake, New York. I would have traveled to see him more but couldn’t afford it. God bless you Brian and Melinda. .
Penny Williams
September 17, 2014 at 2:34 am
Looking forward to seeing your movie, Brian. Genius that money was available to get this done. I’ve been a fan since I was 18 and you (as the Beach Boys) came out with your first tunes. I knew you were the brains behind the music back then. I used to live in the San Fernando Valley in Southern California, and my grandmother lived in Lawndale, which is just west of Hawthorne.I was so thrilled to listen to your tunes on my mom’s car radio when we’d drive south to Lawndale, especially when we’d drive along Hawthorne Blvd. I’ve seen 5 of your solo shows since you’ve been working with the (then) Wondermints: Santa Barbara, The Beacon Theater twice, Radio City Music Hall, and Darien Lake Performing Arts Center in Darien Lake, New York. I’ve been living in a small village about an hour south of Darien Lake for about 17 years now. Just wanted to let you know. God bless you Brian, the fantastic band, and Melinda.
s
Cliff paige
September 17, 2014 at 12:55 pm
Good Vibrations —Brian has shared his gift with the world and we are better off for it. Thanks
Joyce Hawk
September 17, 2014 at 12:58 pm
Loved the movie of the Temptations , this should be great too, can’t wait to see it.
Jack de Vries
September 17, 2014 at 8:17 pm
And when released
In the Netherlands?