I watched Midas Man so you didn't have to | The Brian Epstein story

Link to Midas Man has been removed. It was fun while it lasted!
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[@larsland]

I said John, Paul and George were the same height. It was for the sake of being brief. John Paul and George were all within an inch and a half of each other. Paul was the tallest. I’m talking about the difference in the actors heights. It’s much more significant than the irl Beatles. I didn’t realize people would care so much about an offhand comment. I should have. I Screwed up text boxes and clicks in this. And the Murray the K interview. My bad. It’s trash but I’m not deleting and reposting.

[@DoohickeyDinkle]

the height thing was also a big problem for me in that "Yesterday" movie. Hey, if you haven't seen it, people, and want to, go down to the next comment. Anyway, John was short in that one, too and it bugged me.

[@jeremyjones5455]

Love your videos! I say make them as long as they need to be, and don't worry about it. We will watch them. Last April fool's day, Quinton Reviews posted a 38 hour video of his dad doing a deep dive into The Beverly Hillbillies and Petticoat Junction. I've watched it 3 times, and I don't care about those shows at all. Your videos are entertaining and insightful. That's all that matters. Like Roger Ebert once said, "No good movie is too long".

[@dev7938]

god im so sad i didnt get to finish that video before it got deleted for copyright reasons..

[@jeremyjones5455]

@dev7938 You might be able to find it on a certain Archive of the Internet. 😉

[@robertgraves8843]

That was very interesting. A pretty serious review. I noticed this film on Amazon but haven't seen it. Thanks for the "Heads up". Being of a certain age, I find myself difficult to please when it comes to film recreations of the 1960-70s. They rarely hit the bullseye, but then, I suppose filmmaking is a flawed realm, subject to all kinds of compromises. I LOVE that you're so into the Beatles, though. Good for you.

[@brandonyoungie9528]

The most accurate film ever ringo starr being twice the size of John

[@ryansweeney4808]

19:41 That's me at the docks

[@rayc4244]

I agree - the height of John against Paul (and George) was "off-putting." The guy that plays Paul, however, is the best I've seen. Overall, I thought the movie was okay, but I didn't learn anything new . . .

[@patticrichton1135]

The story of George telling George Martin that he didn't like his tie, IS TRUE. George Martin himself said that is what happened and it was what broke the ice and he loved the cheekiness, as he said "they were very charming people." I live in Cleveland, and George Martin gave a talk in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's auditorium that only seats about 300 people. I was there, and was SO glad that I was in attendance. It was marvelous listening to him talk about his time with them in the studio. THIS is where he described that incident with George and his tie.

[@larsland]

GM and GH told this story as I said. Someone ELSE said they don’t remember it. I’m glad you were there too! It sounds wonderful. Have you been able to visit the HOF often? I want to.

[@BeatleAlex]

4:05 I'M DYING 😂

[@m.ceniza4688]

The one thing i cannot stand about this film is that you can tell that they had no idea WHY they wanted to make a film about Brian Epstein in the first place! Imagine, you've got this man who got extremely lucky multiple times, but it all just led to more hurt and doom for him in the end. It's a classic tragic story, yet they managed to make it as boring and mundane as possible. Heck, they even called the movie Midas Man! They knew Epstein's story had great potential to be told in film. But, it seems that telling a great story didn't matter to them in the end. They just slapped on a bunch of historical events and called it a day.

[@stewartstafford]

Right, it's very difficult ot make a film about Epstein as he was a private man who had to hide who he was for fear of being locked up or blackmailed. Even The Beatles didn't really know him that well. There were no diaries or letters unearthed revealing his backstory after his death and he died so young.

[@larsland]

YEAH EXACTLY

[@SkyDiamonded-q8b]

This amount of restraint it took to get this at around half an hour should be studied

[@larsland]

The way I wanted it to be under 20

[@derekroberts6654]

I think a Mal Evans bio pic would be interesting.

[@larsland]

We can dream

[@LenaJFilms]

It was such a weird movie because on the surface it's enjoyable and I had fun during it... but I took particular issue with the touring years all being condensed into minuite long exposition sequences where Brian just talks to camera. It would have been actually really interesting to see ANY of what was mentioned actively affecting him, like how would he have talked to promoters? or those in charge of merchendising? and the whole debacle in the south with not wanting to play segregated audiences? they had ample material to pick from to make a scene out of that shows you WHY exactly he was so stressed about it. Him just telling you it doesn't, unfortunately, have the same effect, even when he's taking pills during it. Actually, the way his substance abuse was showed was way too matter-of-fact- almost trivial, which was a very confusing choice. Also the character of Tex Ellington was a really useless addition to the film, especially since he isn't a real person. Why is the film trying to build up this persona as if he was anything at all in history? I agree with all of your points, it just was. bad. not good. great video as always!

[@bullseyecello]

I was underwhelmed

[@lisettegarcia7013]

Pretty sure Tex Ellington was supposed to be a reference to Diz Gllipse.

[@Zharkov1969A]

Terrific stuff. Well done for your stance on homophobia too. 👏🏻

[@vintagesoul1976]

We won't talk about Pete Best. lol

[@larsland]

Got nothing to say

[@derekroberts6654]

No, but sooner or later, they’re probably gonna do a movie about him.

[@scotttaylor7767]

Thank you Lars a very brave video from you. As usual you are incredibly honest and very open about your own struggles. I can see why Brian’s struggles with addiction struck a cord with you. But it’s just a shame that it’s all handled in such a ham fisted way. Personally I would have liked to have had a mini series about his life rather than a short movie. It’s funny that the people making this movie seemed to think in 2024 that we can’t handle men having a sexual relationship. Or taking drugs ? I mean what audience were they trying to reach ? Baby boomers or gen Z’s beats me ? But I can’t help thinking with a better budget and better writing this might have had a chance. Anyway thank you for sitting through this and making a very thoughtful and comprehensive look at the movie. Such a shame Brian Epstein deserves a better movie than this on his life. I guess it will wind up along side “John and Yoko “ and other failed Beatles themed biopics.

[@milom5030]

To be honest i wasn't even able to get through the trailer when it came out a couple of months(?) ago, i just cringed so hard. thanks for making this video so i kinda know what it was all about without having to watch it all... from what i've seen, the best thing that came out of this whole project was the portrayal of paul, his actor is getting some attention now, so that's great for him

[@larsland]

He really killed it. I was extremely impressed. He did his research. George Martin’s portrayal was extremely impressive as well.

[@SkyDiamonded-q8b]

Also, one thing I would like to add is that my explanations on the people in Brian’s life who should have been in the film, but weren’t for various reasons is very much the most cursory possible. I’ve missed out quite a lot of context, and I do encourage anyone who’s interested to do their own research, because there’s so much interesting information out there.

[@markanthonycoliinson873]

I have yet to see this. I saw some clips. Lousy wigs and lame production aside, it is a shame that Brian Epstein is often cast as predominantly a tragic figure. Sure he had a lousy time being gay in a time when homosexuality didn't get decriminalised in the UK until 1967, and died before his time; but there was a whole lot more to him than that. He managed one of the best fucking bands ever and helped to steer them in a direction that completely revolutionized the pop music industry and society. I love this John Lennon quote about him: "Brian was a beautiful guy, Brian Epstein, and he was an intuitive, theatrical guy and he presented us well." He was very much part of the party, too sometimes. I always remember a story Paul McCartney once told about when they all discovered pot - how Brian Epstein got stoned off his tits and sat in front of a mirror, pointing at himself saying "Jew, Jew.." while pissing himself laughing. Great vid as always from Lars Land. You rule.

[@bulldoginyellowsubmarine9259]

5:22 That's me! ❤

[@louisme5411]

Enjoyed your perspective , as usual, but I actually liked the film. I had almost the opposite reaction to yours: Positives: thought the Brian actor captured his warmth, elegance and style, didn’t care about the differences in appearance (although John’s height was jarring), annoyed by the George M casting (found him too wooden and dull). Lack of songs (rights) was an issue. IMO it’s impossible to get a nuanced take when trying to fit a whole life into 2 hours. Better to choose one important event/period and go deep into it.

[@lisettegarcia7013]

Well I'm glad they made the scene where Brian gave Pete Best the bad news that he was kicked out of the band. Everyone should know what the day was like.

[@sleeper9]

My issue with the movie was that there seemed to be no narrative impetus for anything they’re showing. Other than this is what happened in life. So it’s not an addiction story, it’s not a Beatles story, it’s kind of a gay story I guess but not in a particularly interesting way, it’s not really an anything movie. I wish we could’ve seen any of their intimate relationships I would’ve loved to see even Brian and George’s relationship because George Harrison truly loved Brian and relied on him for everything I would’ve loved to see that. Would’ve loved to see anything at all from Johns particular relationship with Brian. I feel like they were so afraid of commenting on their relationship even tho John and Paul both said yeah he was in love with John… it’s not that controversial to show them being close!! Romanticism need not be applied. Also would’ve loved to see the evolution of Paul and Brian’s relationship from suspicious to working closely on business matters! All things we haven’t really seen on film before. I also really hated the whole it ends on a weirdly happy note and then cut to oh yeah he died lol. It was so crazy. I mean I know it’s hard to be like maybe get in to it a bit but I think it would’ve been a little interesting to see how much it affected everyone when he passed. If they wanted to end on something happy I think hearing the boys talk about how much he meant to them would’ve been nice. But then again they would’ve had to have shown more of their personal relationship for that to work.

[@larsland]

Yep!

[@ChrisJohnsonChannel]

The Beatles are an afterthought the focas is on Mr. Epstine.. who ever was the casting director was, decided to select theses actors for the parts

[@dev7938]

really good review!! i agree w you especially abt the tone of the movie. its very disappointing because you can see the potential in this film, especially with the actors who (overall) did a good job. but unfortunately it got wasted. ig that's what happens when a movie is in development hell for as long as this one :/

[@MalibuChumash]

Thank you for the link! I agree with pretty much everything. There are tricks and effects that could have been done to fix the height issue. I thought the acting was good, the Beatles accents were spot on. The pacing and tone were weird. The wigs were bad.

[@cesarmadero05]

So many things to say here: I laughed my ass off seeing that you decided to cut yourself while talking and you show yourself recording and calling your mom so you advice her not to see this one... and the editing choices that you choose to do it to show it, just a bit while you started going off; it was masterful. Incredible as always

[@larsland]

My poor mother deserves a medal. Several medals.

[@zacharyantle7940]

The fact this movie had 3 different directors probably doesn’t help 😅😂

[@larsland]

😭

[@zacharyantle7940]

@ legit tho! Like one dude was doing it but left cos of creative differences, then some woman came and then the pandemic happened, filing got shut down for like a year, and she left, and then a second dude came in and finished what was left in 2022 I think 😂

[@larsland]

@@zacharyantle7940woof

[@lisettegarcia7013]

And what else? They had to put the movie on hold because the actor playing Harry Epstein was playing Amy Winehouse's dad, Mitch Winehouse.

[@Merseyrock]

It was amusing when Brian appeared in 'What's My Line?' (1964, I think) and the host introduced him as 'Barry', and he subtly corrected him, "(It's) ...Brian" 😅

[@JoeBurkeZerk]

Surprise Lars drop (but not really)

[@larsland]

spiraling lars drop

[@RamblesBrambles]

Totally underrated movie

[@alfredoamezola2929]

You are so good ❤

[@zeltalovesU]

21:59 I don’t know what to DO 💜

[@larsland]

The babble cry tho

[@zeltalovesU]

LMAOOOOO

[@carl_anderson9315]

Last year I watched Red Notice on Netflix and for some reason, the director tried to convince the audience that The Rock and Ryan Reynolds were almost the same height. If this movie can’t get the most documented band in history’s member’s heights, I can’t take the rest seriously. John Paul and George were pretty much the same height. Ringo has blue eyes. Basic stuff.

[@larsland]

Forced perspective in filmmaking goes a looooong way. They didn’t even try. If Gandalf and Frodo can film next to each other, they can give John an Apple crate to stand on.

[@damianoakes2592]

The Rock and Ryan Reynolds are almost the same height, though. 6'3 vs. 6'2, respectively.

[@alanclayton9277]

i think the john maybury movie about the painter francis bacon, love is the devil, is to me about people in a gay relationship but also the enormous significance of the cultural events around them. me is not a competent film critic, i am just saying now or in the late twentieth century when that movie was made get the balance right. these people, biopic characters were gay ( yeah we get it duh) (i know the societal attitudes were shocking,) but get their interaction with the world around them their passion, raison d'etre (oi it's four o'clock in the f🕠g morning over here 🇬🇧) as a big element in the narrative. personally i think it sounds like the Brian /John might have been evaded? and no one ever represents Paul right so that's interesting. i said that on your enchanted essays discussion,,( YES I WAS THERE). a treat to get your content again. as ever, my respect and admiration for you just keep on increasing. i'm so tired i haven't slept a wink..

[@larsland]

Aww I loved the EE livestream

[@danmore7587]

Your totally right. Lacks any actual facts. By the way Your Great!

[@larsland]

thank you!

[@michaelplano6941]

Commenting because you told me to.

[@larsland]

Thank you!

[@gracelastinger9851]

i jump for joy every time you upload a new video!

[@larsland]

Aw!

[@joeywisedrums]

Like as a Beatles fan, I enjoyed it on its own merit. The movie was fine. But like, it had so many obvious problems

[@WillieSimpson777]

Fantastic video again, agree with everything...I really think you diving into the Hours and the Times as a contrast to this movie would be a fantastic exercise...the acting, writing and presentation in that 60 minute short film blows this movie away and remains the best portrait of Brian Epstein in film. And beyond the speculative sexual relationship featured in the movie, it is so ridiculously evocative of Brian and John...or realistic? I don't know what the right word is, but it feels truer...which is remarkable because it was made in the early 90s before a ton more Beatle research came out (that retrospectively makes the movie seem more accurate - somehow)...at least that was my impression watching it last year! lots of love...

[@larsland]

Interesting idea! I havent' seen it yet!!

[@theoddodyssey]

She should also cover Backbeat!!! The actor who plays John in Hours and Times plays him in Backbeat

[@derekroberts6654]

I always thought Paul was tall looking at the Sgt Pepper album cover. But i’m blind on one eye so the visual may be off…

[@larsland]

Read pinned comment please.

[@Nerkin610]

This is not directed at Lars, who’s done a terrific job as always (it’s totally fair to say that Paul, John and George were roughly the same height even though Paul was slightly taller and yada yada). But as a curiosity; Paul appears as quite a bit taller on the Sgt. Pepper cover since there was a platform behind the bass drum, as made obvious by some of the alternate cover photos. The Abbey Road cover gives a much fairer idea.

[@GustavoRey-oo6zi]

Their accents in the movie sound terrible. I like beer AND Beatles.

[@phightphan]

I don't like watching any of these Beatles biopics. We've seen thousands of pictures, videos, performances, and interviews with The Beatles over the years (including manager Brian) so it's too hard to pretend some actors are them. At least for me it is. Can't do it. 🤷‍♂

[@wandaborowy9400]

He was a mama 's boy , unhappy gay man.

[@markvamos2400]

Your review, was as always, SPOT ON, Lars!!! Thank you!!

[@micolsen9824]

Could this actor replace McCartney in '66 😁

[@MarcOrtizdeCandia-qi8yb]

Paul McCartney was always the tallest Beatle. John and George were the same, and then Ringo.

[@larsland]

It wasn’t that level of difference between heights that the actors had. It’s obvious what I meant. this is also often disputed because George and Paul sometimes seemingly swapped as tallest Beatle due to boots. But thanks for nitpicking.

[@501sqn3]

John and Paul were both exactly 5'11". George was 5' 10 1/2", and Ringo is 5.7 3/4".

[@MarcOrtizdeCandia-qi8yb]

@ It's All Reliant On Your Source. Example: Some Sources Show Ringo at 5’8” I Referenced the Most Consistent Information Sourced.

[@Nerkin610]

⁠@@501sqn3 There are enough proper reference pictures to know that Paul was slightly taller than John and George, but it’s not a significant difference and surely not worth nitpicking this video about as some people are doing

[@501sqn3]

@Nerkin610 Oh the irony!!. 🤦

[@tara0745]

This film was so bad it was embarrassing. It was painful to watch . AWFUL👎👎

[@laurameme-9]

What channel is Midas Man available on in the US? I can't find it.

[@larsland]

It’s not available in the US. Go thru the link in my description.

[@laurameme-9]

@@larsland Thank you!! x

[@petesawchuk]

Netflix.

[@damianoakes2592]

The funny thing about the heights is I think Paul was the tallest Beatle, but not by much. It's like 5'11 Paul, 5'10 George, 5'9-and-a-half John, and 5'6 Ringo. Like you said, not a very noticeable difference aside from the clear short one.

[@larsland]

They’re all about 5’10. It’s disputed and studied because there are times where one of them seems taller (George/Paul).

[@damianoakes2592]

@@larsland In any event, they needed three guys who are all medium height, how hard is that?

[@501sqn3]

.... Don't really know about the film??, but I find this mad, self indulgent, immature and ranting review completely unwatchable!!🤢

[@2424rocket]

Agreed! Never saw her before and never need to see her again.