Film Review: 'Love and Mercy'

"Love and Mercy" chronicles the journey of triumph and tragedy that Brian Wilson endured as songwriter and musician for the Beach Boys. In this trippy biopic we become privy to the inner id of a severely tortured and troubled genius in the making.

At the onset of the film we are transported to the early 60s as grainy footage of the Beach Boys captures their whimsical antics. But riding high on success only masks the anguishing mental illness which Brian kept locked inside. He eventually admits to "hearing voices." And we watch as the creative process corrodes his sanity.

How he hooks up with the monster manipulator, Dr. Eugene Landy, is not made known. But he physically and mentally abuses Brian while keeping him enmeshed in a drug-induced fog. Help arrives when he meets Melinda, a woman who loves him and recognizes that the exploitation must cease in order for Brian to survive.

Director Bill Pohlad makes a brilliant stand on a slippery slope by casting Paul Dano as the younger Brian and John Cusack as the aging one. Both do a tremendous job as two halves of a broken man. Taken together, their performances mesh into a spot-on compilation of one multi-faceted individual. 

Elizabeth Banks portrayal of the devoted Melinda also hits the mark. She manages to make loving a seriously screwed up guy credible. Having no hidden agenda, Melinda comes across as the only person who's truly interested in Brian's well being.

On the other hand, Paul Giamatti makes your skin crawl as Dr. Landy. His slimy, smarmy demeanor is further enhanced by his shocking ugliness, physically. It's the best portrayal of a despicable human being, perhaps, ever.

Pohlad exquisitely probes Brian's twisted and gifted head. But at times it can be overwhelming. We hear the horrific noises and voices that inhabit his psyche and it becomes deafening. Brian's excruciating existence is so acutely depicted that it's difficult to bear. So, beware ... this film is powerful.

As the credits roll, the audience has the opportunity to see Brian Wilson in person singing "Love and Mercy." It's a moving image to watch the the man who conquered his demons and is still thriving musically.

P.S. He never surfed.