Starring John Cusack, Paul Dano, Paul Giamatti and Elizabeth Banks
Written by Michael Alan Lerner and Oren Moverman
Directed by Bill Pohlad
USA 2015
121 mins
The musical bio pic has seen some notable critical and box office successes in recent years including 'Walk The Line', 'Bohemian Rhapsody' and 'Rocketman'. Ever since the days of 'The Glenn Miller Story' this genre has favoured a format which blends the big hits of the artist along with their personal highs and lows plus a bit of music business skullduggery to boot.
'Love and Mercy' - the story of Brian Wilson and The Beach Boys - is no different in many ways. It focuses on Wilson's musical genius, his well-publicised drug and mental health issues plus his fallings out with the band and his relationship with the woman who saved him.
What really distinguishes the film are the performances of the two actors who portray Wilson at different times in his life - Paul Dano and John Cusack. Dano in particular brings an authenticity and insight to the role of the younger man while Cusack is an actor who always lights up the screen. The musical recreations are also first class - with all the key songs getting a look in.
This is a real summer movie and if you love the Beach Boys music it is definitely for you - but even if they leave you a little cold there is plenty to enjoy here...
