Sometimes life is truly stranger than fiction. Love & Mercy depicts the odd and at time almost unbelievable story of The Beach Boys band member Brain Wilson. Those who enjoy the group will undoubtedly love the film. Yet even those with an interest in music biopics or those simply curious about the subject matter will find this to be an engaging and fascinating journey.
The main thread cuts between two opposing timelines. The first is set in the 80s and features a heavily medicated, middle-aged Brian Wilson (John Cusack) under the constant supervision of therapist Eugene Landy (Paul Giamatti). Flashbacks from the 60s slowly reveal more about the younger Brain (Paul Dano), as the artist works on the albums Pets Sounds and its follow up, Smile. It’s at this crossroads in which he begins to suffer great adversity from others and finds his mental state slowly deteriorating.
Melinda (Elizabeth Banks) interactions with the older Wilson serve as the entry point into the man’s fascinating and bizarre world. While the character begins as a romantic interest, she slowly manages to open Brian up. As this occurs, both Melinda and the viewer discover more about the man. Both comes under fire from the intimidating and controlling Landy, a man who exerts total authority over his patient’s life. Her role changes when she attempts to free Brian from the clutches of his therapist.
All of the famous stories about its subject are recreated, from Brian Wilson playing a piano in a sandbox, coaxing animals in the studio to make music and sharing details about his time as a recluse in his bedroom. The musician’s innovative and groundbreaking work in the studio is convincingly depicted, as well as the first signs of nervous breakdowns and hearing “voices in his head.” And there are few new details, to this reviewer at least, that supply some insight into how a left turn or two can eventually break a person and cause their life to fall to pieces.
A strong cast also helps tremendously. The appearances of the two leads are quite different, but it ultimately isn’t a problem and doesn’t pose any distraction. While the younger Wilson’s descent is a showier piece, both actors make the most of their parts and generate enormous empathy for the real life musician. There’s plenty going on in the 80s that’s just as dramatic, including the musician’s struggles to break free from his handler’s grasp. Banks is equally impressive in a role more serious than usual. The story allows her character the chance to develop into a strong and pro-active voice for Wilson.
Photographed by Robert Yeoman (The Grand Budapest Hotel, Moonrise Kingdom), the movie looks great, effectively recapturing 60s California and the world of the band. In addition to some creatively shot promo recreations, there are also cleverly lensed moments that include an impressive, 360 degree shot in the studio depicting the main character at work.
The movie shies from depicting some of its characters in too dark a light. Ultimately, it’s a story of redemption that strives to be upbeat despite the unfortunate situation of its lead. Even if it doesn’t have as big an emotional payoff as some viewers might hope for, Love & Mercy is a solid biopic that will impress those unfamiliar with the man and, for those who know more, help gain even more insight into the inner world of Brain Wilson.