Paul Dano and John Cusack play Brian Wilson at different ages, alternating back and forth, in Dino Jonsater’s ‘Love & Mercy’ pop biopic. Paul Dano plays Brian Wilson in the mid Sixties while his mental illness was brewing during the Beach Boys’ rise. John Cusack plays Brian Wilson in the Eighties when Wilson met Melinda Ledbetter, his second wife, trying to break away from a manipulative therapist who is using his illness to control his life. ‘Bodyguards’ or handlers track and follow his every move, with Eugene Landy (Paul Giamatti) leading the way. We later learn that Landy was also Wilson’s personal physician and legal guardian, who summons Melinda Ledbetter (Elizabeth Banks) to his office explaining his role in Wilson’s recovery, the importance of medication he prescribes, and his need for her to report to him the details of their time together. We meet Dano’s version of Wilson in the Sixties when he asked to stay home to produce while the band tours in Japan, convincing them of his ideas for the next album. You see throughout the film that the songwriter’s initial mental illness emerges from the fear of an abusive father and the failure of those closest to him to appreciate his gifts. Just like Mike Love, his cousin and bandmate, says “even the happy songs are sad”, as Wilson and the film makes us imagine the Beach Boys’ in a dark and troubled light, rather than the upbeat and happy band they were. In the end, the artist’s particular gifts were linked to the anxieties that crippled the man. Dano has portrayed roles similar to this in his other work, but the audience will really be drawn to one of Cusack’s best performances of his career. The most unexpected surprise of the premiere was surprise guest Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys in attendance accompanied by his wife Melinda Ledbetter! For those who can sit through the long film will find a very fine and enjoyable film.
Verdict 4 out of 5
