On Saturday morning as one generation arrived home from the night out, others fed new born babies or took their children to sports practice. Meanwhile another group went to Luna Cinema to relive their youth at Love and Mercy, the moving new film about the Beach Boys and Brian Wilson’s remarkable life. I wasn’t a huge Beach Boys fan but now have an immense admiration for Wilson’s creativity and strength of character.
Love and Mercy Movie thanks to Image.net
The mood was set even before the movie began as Beach Boys classics played out in the theatre.
The movie cleverly alternated between the early days of the band and Wilsons later life. It was fascinating getting to see inside how some of the iconic songs were made. Even more interesting was the clever technique that enabled us to get inside the mind of a creative genius. I have to say that if that’s even a smidgen of what it’s like, then I’m more than happy to have missed the genius gene, what a difficult way to live. Several times I felt like putting my fingers in my ears to drown out the thoughts.
Love and Mercy Movie thanks to Image.net
There were some great quotes from Wilson in the movie like …
‘If you repeat a mistake every hour it’s not a mistake anymore.’
‘Your soul comes out to play’ (describing making music)
and the sad … ‘I’ve lost control of my life.’
Wilsons relationship with his father was clearly a difficult one, which was echoed in the abusive relationship he later had with his manager. Both demonstrate the importance of parental support, recognition and love.
‘Dad scared me into making good records’ explained Wilson.
John Cusack was brilliant as the older Wilson as was Paul Dano playing Wilson during the 1960’s. Both capture the quietly spoken, thoughtful Wilson to a tea.
Love and Mercy Movie thanks to Image.net
Paul Giamatti was utterly deplorable as the conniving manager.
Love and Mercy Movie thanks to Image.net
Elizabeth Banks was wonderful in providing the perfect emotional support to Wilson.
Love and Mercy Movie thanks to Image.net
Love and Mercy is an extremely moving, eye opening movie that was very difficult to watch at times. It’s a movie about personal growth, moving on and not just sticking to making the same winning surfing music. As the movie blurb says Wilson’s really was an inspirational life. His strength to keep fighting and creating was astonishing.
As I sat watching the real Brian Wilson sing as the credits rolled (make sure you stay for this) I pondered …
- The importance of having someone, even just one person, who believes in you and loves you throughout your life.
- Don’t listen to the naysayers as they probably have their own agenda, even if they appear to be close friends.
- Be careful who you hand over legal guardianship to.
- How lucky that Wilson survived his demons especially when the short of the upcoming Amy Winehouse Movie (shown prior to Love and Mercy) reminded us of another road Wilson could’ve gone down.
- How handy would it be to have a flash forward to see how our life might turn out.
For session times go to Luna Cinema
