In the 1960s, Beach Boys leader Brian Wilson struggles with emerging psychosis as he attempts to craft his avant-garde pop masterpiece. In the 1980s, he is a broken, confused man under the 24-hour watch of shady therapist Dr. Eugene Landy.
This is the film Brian Wilson’s talent deserves: original, smart and affecting.
Don’t worry, baby: Pohlad’s biopic is reverent, duly, but also rich, clever, warm and sensitive. Banks and Giamatti provide anchor, Cusack impresses and Dano surfs to glory.
For all its outlandish storytelling conceits, this is almost certainly the most authentic account of its subject that anyone has yet given us.
The Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson is played by two actors – Paul Dano and John Cusack – in this heartfelt and eloquent tribute to one of pop’s greatest innovators.
Mixing fact and fiction this strange double-telling of the Brian Wilson story is a truthful reminder of the songwriter’s alchemical magic.
General release. Check local listings for show times.