Why 'Love & Mercy' is the best music biopic

[@cal8831]

I’m so glad The Batman has sparked a cultural interest in Paul Dano because he is SUCH a phenomenal actor.

[@brandonw6139]

Ya I remember seeing him for the first time in little miss sunshine (another underrated film) and I thought he was great in that

[@cal8831]

@@brandonw6139 Little miss sunshine is SOOOO good

[@zachbaltrus]

Uhhhhhh Paul Dano has always been a cultural interest! He was amazing in Prisoners

[@iambathman9916]

I'm so happy I found him in the batman because I have seen so many movies with him now and not one have I disliked

[@aizenzae4510]

The Girl Next Door

[@moviemaestro800]

The shade thrown at Bohemian Rhapsody is a fun running gag.

[@paulelroy6650]

God that film was god awful

[@MrTheBaron]

The only thing that makes me come back to watch it again is to skip up to the Live Aid set.

[@moviemaestro800]

@@MrTheBaron It was well-recreated.

[@jackj.pelletier1666]

I love Rami Malek, and I cherish Queen's entire discography, but watching that film was a disheartening experience to say the least. The inaccurate chronology, the shifting of dynamics to suit a standard "I am the genius lead singer who thought he grew past them, yet is pulled back by the magic---" arcs that we're so bored of in these music biopics, even the bad wigs. Freddie was much more interesting, and so were each individual member of the band. Shit the one party they end up showing in the film should have been more Requiem for a Dream than a high school comedy if the accounts we have are to be believed. 🤣 Sacha Baron Cohen should have been given the shot he deserved by the band when he wanted to develop Mercury (the original planned biography). TL;DR: Brian May and Roger Taylor sanitized the movie, and that's why it's weak sauce.

[@MrTheBaron]

@@jackj.pelletier1666 the number of inconsistencies is so astounding, it's criminal. The fact that Brian and Roger were directly involved in the film didn't help.

[@aaronahlfeldt2916]

I love Paul Dano, he’s incredible

[@mightyV444]

A friend had sent me the movie 'Youth' on DVD a while ago, with Michael Caine in the lead role, and it took me a while to remember in what other movie I'd seen a certain co-star before, who then *didn't* have a moustache; It turned out to be Paul Dano and this movie, 'Love & Mercy'! 😀

[@victoriamcdevitt5382]

I love Paul Dano in everything he does. He’s an incredible actor, I look forward to seeing him winning an oscar in the near future💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕

[@hwek8771]

Me too!! And he's finally getting well deserved fame after batman!

[@jamie6373]

I agree!!!!

[@lastnamefirst4035]

I enjoyed him in Little Miss Sunshine. Been a long time ago

[@John_Notmylastname]

I love Paul Dano. He is spot on in any role he plays and he deserves far bigger roles. The man is just fascinating to watch on the screen.

[@loufuddrucker391]

Watch him in the good heart

[@pinball-wizard]

Thankfully the Batman not only brought Paul Dano to the front but also gave him a very compelling role

[@yoblol]

Another thing I love about the 60s storyline is that Brian's hair grows as the storyline continues. They didn't act lazy and just make it the same all the way but actually made an effort to make his hair grow out.

[@ShaNaNa242]

Paul Dano (the man who played Brian) said "I wish I could've been there with Brian to show him the love and mercy he needed."

[@blu48]

That just makes me love Paul Dano even more.

[@feelflows]

The dinner scene in this film is one of the best depictions of sensory overload I’ve ever seen, I’ve used it as an example to explain my own struggles with mental health. I related to Brian’s own struggles so much, with his pursuit of perfectionism and smaller things like the piano in the sandpit. I wish this movie was talked about more, it’s so underrated

[@BareBandSubscription]

That scene is so brilliantly executed. It really puts you in his shoes and allows you to really feel his misery for a brief moment.

[@1827crowley]

Fr I'm autistic and I often get sensory overloads and I remember the first time I saw that scene I had never felt more represented before

[@laurenjankovskis2505]

Still the best hair on KZbin.

[@alencxnto]

1968 George Harrison vibes ✨

[@MatthewvanR.music.]

@@alencxnto yeah

[@paulupfront]

Definitely.

[@blew1t]

him and rhett Mclaughlin

[@muchanadziko6378]

I've got exactly the same as he does, only a bit lighter thanks a lot!

[@CiardisInferno99]

Oh lord Paul Dano broke my heart in this movie. I'm still salty he didn't get an Oscar nom.

[@-Swamp_Donkey-]

Cause what’s the point without little statues from Jewish pdf files

[@raquelking6323]

@@-Swamp_Donkey-bro, chill out

[@whyisntitpossible404]

I'm so glad you gave John Cusack credit for his portrayal of the slightly older version of Brian. It seems a lot of people thought he was miscast and didn't portray him well, but I thought he was really convincing.

[@samuelgault7118]

You know John Cusack often doesn’t get enough credit for his performance I feel, because he plays it so understated and low; but every single picture/video/interview you see of Wilson in that era reflects Cusack’s performance perfectly

[@blaisetelfer8499]

He's been effectively black listed from most of Hollywood. Go on his Twitter; he's pretty outspoken.

[@jerryp7721]

Cusack was mesmerizing

[@hippojuice23]

I came to the theater ready to see Cusack fuck it up! But no-- he was amazing in this movie!

[@B-Mag]

His performance was heart wrenching at times. It’s ridiculous how people give him crap just because he doesn’t look like Brian when Paul (who was also great here) doesn’t look like him either

[@georgiarussell8673]

For political views you mean ?

[@RennsReviews]

I couldn't agree more. I discovered this movie just a few months ago and when it was over I leaned over to my girlfriend and said "this is the best musical biopic I've ever seen" She was in agreement.

[@jokerhere4504]

Dude I love your videos as well so cool to see you here

[@onekidarmy]

Wow imagine seeing you here lmao but it does also seem up your alley. Love your content and fuck, Love and Mercy really blew me away when I saw it so it's nice to see all this appreciation for it here

[@rks5457]

unnecessary mention of girlfriend that we don't even know personally.

[@emanuele9238]

I did the same but as I leaned over I remembered I have no girlfriend and I was talking to my sandwich

[@jameskowanko7574]

You're girlfriend is a nerd.

[@gb7995]

Are you kidding me?! The way you tied in the double bass lines with the two Brian's was brilliant. Your videos are like a full-course meal, so well put together!

[@nikokaapa]

I was really pleased when I heard that part.

[@teresacowles1372]

Brilliant observation and also my favorite scene of the movie. 😉

[@jefffinkbonner9551]

They even nailed Carol Kaye’s character in this movie of seeming time-traveling clones all around! I nice nod to her illustrious career. And that connection here was poetic!

[@allenf.5907]

@@jefffinkbonner9551 I once asked her if she said anything like this and she became quite angry about its inclusion in the movie. But it is true that the intro in A major is playing in the bridge which is in D major. Brian knew it would add some weight to the section and it did.

[@davidnissim589]

Paul Dano was robbed of an Oscar. Brian Wilson loved his performance.

[@courtneycrowley3378]

This was the last movie I watched with my dad, a music history writer who wrote a book about Carl Wilson's role in The Beach Boys and music (Long Promised Road) as well as a history of surf music (Surf Beat: Rock n Roll's Forgotten Revolution) and it's a deeply cherished memory for me. It is also one of my favorite movies. Just saw this video for the first time, but I can see that it was published on the day after the first anniversary of my dad's passing. Feels a little special. I love this, thank you so much for it.

[@courtneycrowley3378]

@@ave578 WOW that's such a lovely story, oh my gosh! Glad you're still creating. That's beautiful

[@courtneycrowley3378]

@@alexlambson8273 Yes, thank you for asking! Kent Crowley ❤️

[@tomjones5650]

Liked his book read it twice. So sorry he passed.😢

[@jeffsorg7682]

Recently finished Long Promised Road. It was on my shelf too long and finally pulled it down. Terrific read about the BBoys and Carl.

[@mikeh6987]

Imagine hearing this film pitch without saying it's about Brian Wilson: The rise and fall, and rise again of a half-deaf musical genius with undiagnosed schizophrenia who managed to revolutionized pop music that's being abused and exploited by his psychiatrist. True story. Absolutely insane. I've been a longtime fan of Brian Wilson so I was worried they were totally going to botch this biopic (like most biopics) but the film totally blew me away. The recreation of the studio scenes, the intersecting time periods, the acting (Paul Dano especially), Atticus Ross' score. How they managed to tell this story within a 2 hour film format without taking 'Hollywood' shortcuts is just incredible. Well done!

[@Pandamasque]

Exactly. The film as is would still be amazing as a work of fiction. That's why you don't need to be a huge Beach Boys fan to enjoy it.

[@Bandstand]

Just finished Love & Mercy based off your recommendation. Thank you 🤝

[@ElliotRobertsVideos]

Hey nice! Glad you like it ☺️

[@donnamorales9507]

@@ElliotRobertsVideos As great as this film is ,(Paul Dano deserved an Oscar) , it does not tell the truth about Landy. He did not have a 'showdown' with Brian's wife, nor did he abruptly leave Brian's life. He hung onto Brian even after the lawsuits. Brian saw him as a father figure and did not see the harm in his treatment of him. His father Murray was the same way. Also, thank Marilyn (Brian's first wife) for bringing Landy into Brian's life. She hired him. A great bio is ' The Beach Boys: An American Family' (2000 tv film).The performances are amazing. Dennis' life starts to gain interest being involved with Charles Manson. It's a two-part film but look past the wigs and fake beards and appreciate this gem of a bio. Brian actually sang some songs and added his input.

[@VictorCastillo-un1gd]

@@donnamorales9507 Bruce sang on the “WALL”!!!!!

[@donnamorales9507]

@@VictorCastillo-un1gd I do not doubt that. The British were /are very respectful of The Beach Boys talents. 'Pet Sounds' went #1 in England - knocking out The Beatles. In their homeland the U.S. it did not sell that well.

[@gabrielmuniz008]

@@donnamorales9507 But did Marilyn knew that Landy was so radical?

[@nigelio3]

I absolutely love how he comes up with a song for Melinda just off the top of his head, she asks what he will do with it, to which he replies nothing, that's for you. But this chord progression becomes the foundation for the song Love and Mercy, played live at the end.

[@ladonkabonk6889]

Man I'm really confused when Brian Wilson became the Riddler, you'd really think they'd bring that up.

[@mitch.sorenstein]

What does a liar do when he’s dead?

[@Sillygubber]

@@mitch.sorenstein he lies still

[@ladonkabonk6889]

To whoever posted this comment on twitter, I have a very special message. Don’t.

[@andyspendlove1019]

Man, that "two different basslines in two different keys, two different Brians in two different eras" line... it perfectly summed up this movie. Amazing observation and amazing job on this analysis.

[@randyking3057]

Yes. I thought, also, it was an marvelous, deep observation.

[@RichBriere]

Nice, Andy......Bass Players~the Highest form of Musical Life......🍎

[@mathewporras6737]

I feel like the Beatles need a bioseries, there’s so many events that I would like to see depicted on some form of media

[@antebellumstage]

That goes for ever artist and ever band. Focusing on a small era is more preferable

[@barbarawebb7185]

Sorry but the Beatles have been covered more than any other band.

[@Nerkin610]

@@barbarawebb7185 While that is true, there should be a properly casted movie that follows the entire Beatles career. Nowhere Boy had a relatively phenomenal cast, but was unfortunately concentrated on a very short period of time, before The Beatles was even a thing. Two Of Us is the greatest film portrait of Lennon and McCartney, both in terms of casting and script, but is concentrated on one single day after The Beatles had ended. The others are too badly performed to be worth watching. They also don’t follow the entire career, only parts of it. Hence, I think there definitely should be a Beatles version of Bohemian Rhapsody and Rocketman.

[@barbarawebb7185]

@@Nerkin610 ok. I’m not a big Beatles fan though. But I know I’m in the minority.

[@rockingbirdey]

Definitely. Either that or a two movies where one focuses on their touring years while the sequel focuses on the studio years. Either way, get a British director/screenwriter, cast some unknown good-looking, preferably musically trained British actors in their late-teens/early-20s for the Fab Four. Actually, Danny Boyle would've been a perfect director for a film about the Beatles. I think he could've portrayed their comradery as a group and their charisma really well with some well-written witty dialogue.

[@deadeyedmillennialmedia]

Bohemian Rhapsody won best editing at The Oscars, which makes sense since they completely cut Actual Freddie Mercury out of it.

[@_d.v.j.l_2624]

Imagine if Sasha baron cohen would’ve finished his Freddie Mercury biopic. I feel like it would’ve been so much more genuine and raw. I feel like Freddie would’ve loved it too

[@majesthijmenii1976]

@@_d.v.j.l_2624 Agreed. Rami Malek still did a great job with what he was given tho

[@davidbanan.]

BRUUUUUH, to real

[@nateds7326]

I really love how Rocketman handles the whole thing, like it does the whole childhood to adulthood thing but for one it cuts off around the early 80s, which gives it a much smaller chunk of time to work with. I also love how the movie is framed as an account of his life while in rehab, but because Elton John eat sleeps and breathes music all of his memories have musical numbers in them. Makes it much more fun.

[@ijustwatchsomeyoutube2186]

But his childhood self sounded so damn squeaky lol

[@theninjamaster67]

I did have some issues with that movie like ending it with him getting clean at a time when he woulda still definitely been on drugs (I'm still standing coming out a whole 7 years before he got sobor) which imo shows that it kinda had the same issue of it trying to fit too much in cause they had his whole rise to fame then him sobering up but that didn't happen till a good while after and it was focused on as one of the largest points of the movie so they may not have technically done the whole birth to grave thing Elliot mentioned but they got damn close with how they framed it despite sayingggg they ended it in the 80s but still having events which happened in the 90s.

[@sunset1326]

@@theninjamaster67 i love rocketman but yeah i agree There’s only so much time in a movie to fit in a significant chunk of the life of a musician and recording artist

[@theninjamaster67]

@@sunset1326 I dig the idea of more movies based on musicians to only focus on a very small portion of life like a time when they wrote a particularly important album or something. It would be particularly nice if they would try to be as accurate as possible as well cause more often than not the actual story is more interesting than the hoaky stereotype that most music movies portray. For instance Bohemian Rhapsody having a party scene of the most boring party I've seen in my entire life rather than trying to show what an actual Queen party was like which by all accounts was a fuckin wild sight to see.

[@sunset1326]

@@theninjamaster67 maybe for The Beatles we should focus on maybe just one or maybe three important moments for them on their biopic Him explaining the way Love & Mercy does it honestly makes me think this could work for Beatles

[@robertparker6280]

Been a HUGE fan of Paul Dano since "There Will Be Blood", so glad they got him to be The Riddler in "The Batman". Hopefully we'll see him more. He is SO good in this movie, the scene where he holds on the head set is so good but scary.

[@trevorganoe748]

THIS movie should have made a billion dollars and won an Oscar, not “Bohemian Rhapsody”.

[@antebellumstage]

All because of popularity

[@brianjonestownmassacre]

agree

[@orcapodmedia]

This is why I stopped thinking the Oscars meant anything. People like Weinstein buying awards. DiCaprio finally getting one because of the internet outcry. Pfff. Bohemian Rhapsody was terrible.

[@mgconlan]

I thought "Bohemian Rhapsody" was O.K. I was never that big a Queen fan and the band I remember tearing up the stage at Live Aid wasn't Queen, it was U2. (Also, almost no one mentions The Beach Boys as an influence on Queen even though the vocal harmonies that begin "Bohemian Rhapsody" are pure Brian Wilson, and Freddie Mercury's first band was named Smile.) I think Rami Malek deserved his Academy Award for turning in a convincing performance despite a problematic script. I also liked "Rocketman" but it borrowed the bit of the child and adult Elton Johns interacting from the Bobby Darin biopic "Beyond the Sea," a great film which has been flushed down the Hollywood memory hole because of the #MeToo allegations against its director/star, Kevin Spacey, who has become what George Orwell called an "unperson" - "He does not exist. He never existed." Besides, if you wanted to give an acting award to "Love and Mercy" WHICH actor would you have given it to - Dano or Cusack? The Academy doesn't (alas) have a category for Best Two Actors Playing the Same Person in One Film.

[@BrendanBrown1]

Probably cause the 80s are still more fresh in the minds of people right now

[@Luanna801]

13:17 Well, it's also one of Paul McCartney's favorite albums, so not THAT strange for a Beatles fan ;-)

[@bbb462cid]

I beleive he said "God only knows" is the best song ever written

[@dondamon4669]

@@bbb462cid no he never said that. He said it was a big song for him

[@bbb462cid]

@@dondamon4669 disagree

[@sethp8947]

I already watched the original upload but I'm gonna leave this on while muted just to give you the views you deserve

[@ElliotRobertsVideos]

Thank you, this means a lot!

[@maggie-cz8tp]

Same that’s exactly what I’m doing

[@MichelJPW]

Same!

[@sethp8947]

@@ElliotRobertsVideos you deserve it man, your vids fill a specific niche that I haven't found anywhere else

[@oneseagullflock]

Same

[@mewgiah8057]

Watching this movie actually made me cry. Specifically, because of the point you made about its title "Love and Mercy" which isn't just about the song. Learning about the abusive childhood Brian had, and then him getting trapped again in another abusive relationship by his "manager" in the 80s is really emotional. When Brian is finally rescued by someone who actually loves him, how could you not cry? More than anything, this is a human story. Obviously, the Beach Boys music is a BIG part of why this is amazing. But the fact that it's anchored by an incredible human story underneath is what makes it transcended beyond a typical Musical Biopic. Literally, anyone could watch this film and be moved by it.

[@whiteandright1958]

Brian was abused and used by Murry.... Mike Love and Capitol replaced Murry in abusing Brian.... Brian replaced them all with drugs until Landy abused and used Brian. Unfortunately, Melinda has simply replaced Landy. No wonder Wendy and Carnie call her "Melandy." She is just as controlling and abusive as Gene Landy.

[@James-sh2zd]

What made Love & Mercy work so well was the fact that everyone involved was truly passionate about the story, and huge fans of Brian Wilson. There was a meticulous commitment to accuracy. The only thing I would change is I would've LOVED to see more about the SMiLE era with Van Dyke Parks. For such a huge turning point in his life it was reduced to a few short scenes. In my opinion, SMiLE is the most interesting portion of Brian's life. The difficult part of a Brian Wilson biopic is that there were so many unique, and incredible parts of his life that it's hard to cover all of it.

[@BassMisteress101]

I've always had a soft spot for Brian Wilson as a southern Californian with the same hearing condition as him, especially since my studies surround mental health. Love and Mercy depicted his struggles with his mental health and the pressures of being a musician with an intense family and it was so well done 👏 too bad people were ignoring it at the box office.

[@jessharkness5534]

this movie truly respects its subject and i think that's why i love it so much. a brian wilson biopic in lesser hands could have easily became some sort of trauma exploitation film, but the people making this movie clearly adore brian and his music, and it really shows.

[@BlueGeen]

So true. I remember when I first heard they were making a Brian biopic, I didn’t know how to feel because I was like “god, I hope they do it right”. It’s a story easy to exploit for the drama. But they did it SO FUCKING WELL, could hardly be happier with the movie.

[@gelchert]

The best part was that they skipped right over the 70’s, when Brian’s physical and mental health were at their absolute worst. It would have made prime Oscar bait, but it’s more respectful to Brian to leave it out. Plus, it lets your imagination run wild - just how badly was Brian doing that he needed a monster like Landy to turn his life around?

[@clarap.5204]

I was a preteen when this movie came out. I had never heard of the Beach Boys before, however I was so moved that I couldn’t stand up from my sit at the end. This film made me discovered Pet Sounds and Brian Wilson, one of the best music biopic ! Now years later, Pet Sounds is one of my favourite album among the Beatles ones. Your video is a great, beautiful and honest tribute to Love and Mercy. I hope this film would have more recognition as your KZbin channel

[@jetblackrecords5540]

Pet Sounds isn't a Beatles album.

[@clarap.5204]

@@jetblackrecords5540 oh yes I know, this is why I said « among the Beatles ones ». I am not English so maybe it is not the good sentence. But I am more than aware that Pet Sounds is not a Beatles album. I am a huge fan of the Beatles, I think Pet Sounds is as good or even better than my favourite albums from the Beatles

[@Obloblorb]

​@jetblackrecords5540 No shit sherlock

[@strangemarkings]

This is the perfect role for Paul Dano, I don’t know any other actor in Hollywood that could have looked this right for the part.

[@jerrymitchell9973]

Paul Dano deserved an Oscar for this performance.

[@PurpleHippoCinema]

This is one of the perfect examples of a video essay. A channel I don't know talking about a movie I've never watched and then I end up watching the whole thing in one setting. Excellent work!

[@freakfoxvevo7915]

1. You convinced me to watch this movie one day. 2. I'd love to see a full video of you tearing into Bohemian Rhapsody in the future.

[@ElliotRobertsVideos]

THIS IS A RE-UPLOAD. The previous version had a couple of copyright claims over crucial bits🙃🙃🙃 Thanks to those of you who watched and commented something kind on the original and have come back!

[@JoshuaBattenMusic]

Didn’t even notice the edits!

[@shanearnold7781]

“Ah shit, here we go again”

[@kavv07gaming47]

Excuse to come back and re-watch this fantastic video analysis.

[@crazy4beatles]

I was already subscribed - but who am I to refuse Paul, so I hit the bell.

[@VictorCastillo-un1gd]

I just found out Bruce sang on “The Wall”.

[@pattykils]

One music biopic I love that takes an unconventional approach is 24 Hour Party People, about Tony Wilson, Factory Records, the Hacienda, etc. It's laugh-out-loud hilarious and frequently breaks the fourth wall, which in a narrative sense gives a more complete version of "the truth" that you wouldn't get if it was just a one-sided narrative chock full of Walk Hard-isms.

[@suemusicface2]

i came here to say this but searched first. you said pretty much what i would have said. i love the unreliable narrator thing in 24 hr party ppl bc like someone is always going to be unreliable in these stories, best to get it out of the way at the start

[@sclerismockrey8506]

I love how at 12:11 and thereabouts, when Paul Dano taps the timpani he's playing the actual part/cadence used in the song I'm Waiting For The Day (boom, boom, boom, boo-boo-boom!) they will show a few moments later. He could've just tapped a few little taps but having him play that part keeps it about the sound Brian was hearing already. Such a great little detail like SO many in this incredible movie.

[@danielbloomquist9810]

Thank you for giving Paul Dano the credit he has earned for being a dedicated actor who is routinely overlooked for being in high profile pieces with more celebrated performers despite every ounce of his portrayals being well worthy of recognition.

[@batmanhelpingspider-man2342]

It’s so damn awesome that Paul is gonna be The Riddler in the new Batman movie next year!

[@twincherries6698]

He really is underrated

[@villagegreen5061]

This movie made me appreciate pet sounds more, seeing the build up to one of the most iconic albums of all time is so inspiring. The way they used the sounds in this movie was incredible. I agree, if they were ever to do a Beatles biopic then they need to take notes from love and mercy

[@christrontherobot4100]

I know absolutely nothing about the Beach Boys, but this video is incredibly fascinating and now I have to start listening to them.

[@idkyou8188]

www.google.com/amp/s/amp.reddit.com/r/thebeachboys/comments/okx1tu/i_made_a_beach_boys_album_flowchart/ Here’s a flow chart

[@Smook225k]

Please let me wonder. One of the most beautiful songs ever

[@ShaNaNa242]

Listen to Sunflower Pet Sounds Today Surfin Safari Surfin USA

[@muchanadziko6378]

@@ShaNaNa242 And the extended version of the SMiLE Sessions Even unfinished it's a masterpiece

[@tacocat069]

ahhh i’m so glad!

[@kklondikke9019]

I won’t pretend I’m not just another Paul Dano fanboy, but after watching this movie just once I found it so powerful and beautiful I had to watch again and again. Such amazing performances and such a touching story. Definitely doesn’t get the love it deserves compared to films like Bohemian Rhapsody and Rocketman (though I love the latter as well). Thank you for making such a passionate video about it :)

[@thetruebro64]

this literally made me go down a beach boys rabbit hole

[@LegoBuilderStudios]

Every time I listen to 'Pet Sounds' and 'Smiley Smile' my soul literally warms itself. Thanks for the video bubba, this is a film I outta check out!

[@cjm-jr9xk]

Listen to Brian Wilson presents SMiLE. The definitive version of what the album should’ve been. The cover of the album is the sun. But it really will blow you away

[@musicianethanhopper]

I saw this movie in theaters when I was about 14. Then I finally got to see Brian in concert on the Pet Sounds 50th Anniversary Tour. I’m pretty sure that because of this movie, once he started God Only Knows and Love and Mercy, both times I cried. Brian is a true musical genius.

[@denoted6098]

The fact that this movie isn’t talked about more almost tops the tragedy of Brian Wilson’s actual life.

[@yourmajestyshahenshah284]

woah

[@kookadams85]

How's his life tragic ??

[@Ouopa.]

@@kookadams85 very abusive childhood, depression and being a literal slave to his abusive therapist who stole millions of dollars from him

[@kookadams85]

@@Ouopa. oh yeah very true, I thought they were saying something negative be about his legacy so nev'mind.

[@guerillawhite3083]

no i dont think it does

[@BrandonBowditch]

I remember seeing this when it came out. Not many other people saw it, but I always recommend it to people. Saw it in an art house theater, and all the old people around me were so quiet and respectful. I really got to take in the film. Fantastic movie. EDIT: Also, YES!!! We need a Beatles film like this. I’m not a Beatles fan, but a deeply personal biopic like this would be amazing for Beatles fans.

[@honuman39]

Val Kilmer as Jim Morrison in The Doors was a criminally underappreciated performance. The movie was ok but uneven with cheesy dialogue but Kilmer was incredible. He deserved an Oscar.

[@newagain9964]

Under appreciated? It launched his career and is still a cult classic and part of pop culture? Just say u really love movie 💁‍♂️

[@aledandrian]

Brian's self-titled album is beautiful and extremely underrated

[@antebellumstage]

Nearly everything post Pet Sounds is underrated

[@ronfowlermusic]

unfortunately, the biopic makes it appear that he wasn't making any music at all in the Landy years.

[@gaybeatle6166]

brian as a solo artist is underrated

[@KealohaHarrison]

Watched the first video, but I’ll say it here again. Definitely in my top 3 favorite movies of all time, saw it five times in theaters. Paul Dano and/or John Cusack should’ve at least been nominated for Best Actor

[@singerofsongss]

the way you speak about your favorite bands and artists and the nature of the specific things you know about them - just speaks to my soul, dude. I look desperately for the same insights into my faves’ history, influence, and creative processes so watching you set up a channel to share what you’ve learned so far is so great to watch and feels really validating for someone like me who doesn’t always have an audience to share this kind of stuff with.

[@ElliotRobertsVideos]

Thanks, that’s really kind ☺️

[@singerofsongss]

@@ElliotRobertsVideos Of course, I hope what I was trying to say made sense haha!

[@TheGuitologist]

"Walk Hard" is the greatest film ever made by man.

[@tguthrie6]

wow ok. it is a great movie. i dont know about ever made though

[@royjohnson3361]

And "L&M" manages to avoid most of the cliches of WH. "You never once paid for drugs. Not once."

[@travisdelee8647]

WRONG KID DIED

[@royjohnson3361]

@@travisdelee8647 "I want an army of didgeridoos…50,000 didgeridoos!”

[@NamesakeNA]

And he never once paid for drugs!

[@Phished123]

Theres so much i love about this movie, especially the fact that even though they arent given much in the way of lines, short shrift isnt given to The Wrecking Crew. In many other biopics they would just be placeholder background actors mimicing along, but in this they took the care to find people that were real musicians and especially took care to make the standouts resemble their real life counterparts, namely Hal Blaine and Carol Kaye's trademark glasses.

[@colinbaker3916]

The depiction of Carol Kaye alone impressed me. I wasn't sure at first about the double storylines, but they made sense, as the early one went from happy to sad, and the later one went in the opposite direction. I first encountered Paul Dano in a later project, the BBC adaptation of War & Peace. His depiction of Brian Wilson is incredible, and it disappoints me that, unlike the commercial reception of the biopics of Freddie Mercury and Elton John, Love and Mercy was low key.

[@jamestulk5111]

I've actually met Brian. He came across as someone always seeking approval. When we talked he asked questions. Do you like the Beach Boys? Do you like the Beach Boys more than the Beatles? (He didn't say do you think the BBs are better). Do you like Smile?

[@pervenchemusic]

He's that damaged he's probably like a broken record. I doubt it's from an egotistical standpoint he just wants to feel appreciated

[@zacthesnacdavidson]

What did you answer with?

[@matty_daddy]

Well that’s what happens after years of abuse and mental torment

[@dontesmolinski138]

The cut to Paul going, "WHAT?!" almost made me spit my drink 😂

[@nicolettefrattellone2130]

I know this video, from the time I'm writing it, is a year old, but I'm so glad that people are finally recognizing Paul Dano's talent. He's such a good actor and I think his performance in Love and Mercy is just amazing

[@MrLaylapattie]

After watching this video several times, I decided to give in and listen to the album Pet Sounds when I was on a road trip to see my family last week. I replayed that album multiple times and it showed me what I was missing in my life for so long. I thought Sgt Pepper's was my favorite album as well as an album by the artist Kali Uchis. However, Pet Sounds has been a revelation and showed me how these songs were all thoughts that I had experienced in my head. My favorite song out of the entire album is Don't Talk (Put Your Head on My Shoulder), and it summarized to me that even though my relationship of 8 years has fluctuated because we have grown so much together, no matter how much has changed in ourselves, I still love him and the amount of love I have for him has not changed. To me, that song is like Brian saying "we may be mad at each other right now, you may not love me right at this moment, but no matter what, just think that this entire time we have loved each other and I still love you and you can listen to my heartbeat to be reassured of that", and to me, that's what makes this song speak volumes to me and how it is one of the most beautiful things I have ever heard. Caroline, No also made me think of a younger me talking to a present-day me and seeing how much I have changed over the years. Honestly, I am kicking myself over how long it has taken me to listen to this album. It personified everything I have thought of in the past years and what I had gone through and am currently going through, like in the song "that's not me", where I am going through changes in my life, but now I don't know where to go, what to do, or who I am. This sound has been electrifying and I am so happy I am going through this obsession right now, especially in this stage in my life where I needed some kind of validation of my feelings.

[@TheMovieSequelDude49]

As someone who loves this movie very much, one underrated aspect of it is how accurate the actors are in protraying and physically resembling the real life people they're based on. Like looking at the actors and comparing them to their real life counterparts is uncanny, especially Mike Love and Murry Wilson for example. Obviously Paul Dano does an incredible job as Brian Wilson. But I know a lot of people complained about John Cusack as the older Brian. I certainly didn't see the resemblance at first until I actually saw an image of Brian Wilson at that particular period in his life. And the resemblance was uncanny. This is such an incredible movie and your video does an incredible job showing it.

[@kitano0]

I love Cusack, and his performance is great, but the lack of resemblance kinda pulled me out somewhat. There's an actor...Alan Ruck, of Ferris Bueller fame, that looks so much more like the Brian of that period. I think he is in a show "Succession" now.

[@kitano0]

@A S Yes

[@BlueGeen]

I’m so with you on the John Cusack thing! I was like “huh, interesting choice he doesn’t really look like him”, but he is so good at his role that by the end I’m like “yup that’s brian”

[@jefffinkbonner9551]

Only thing missing is if Cusack grew a big beard. The fellow who played Dennis really got his mannerisms down really well. The actor who played Mike did a better Mike than Mike did.

[@chocsal]

I went to see Love & Mercy in the cinema and was so impressed I dragged my husband and children along when I went to see it for a second time. The children were just old enough. I also had the pleasure of seeing Brian in concert in London not long afterwards. Thank you for putting into words all the reasons why this film is so great - and I hope film makers are taking notes.

[@wildsmiley]

Right on. As a hardcore Brian Wilson/Beach Boys fan who knows a hell of a lot, I viewed Love and Mercy with a careful eye when I first saw it, and was amazed at how the film basically nailed it. Fantastic movie about the world’s most fantastic musical artist. Also, Pet Sounds is my favorite album of all time as well. Changed (and reflected) my life at 19 and it still reigns over my heart at 42.

[@Adi-tt5ox]

I watched this film thinking it would be a fun time and inspire a fictional story of mine but wasn't expecting such an incredibly well done film (that consequently led me to delve into the Beach Boys' music and become a huge fan). I absolutely agree with everything you share here & it makes me remember the first time watching this and being so in awe, especially during the creative process scenes like you talked about. It's so genuine and really gives credit to the creative genius behind the songwriting, which I feel like is such an underplayed element of music biopics (and why?!? the fact that these artists are songwriters is often more integral to them than being performers & it's the part I want to see more of!!)

[@zackadamscomedy]

Saw this film for the first time last night and it blew my mind. The portrayals by both Dano and Cusack are so incredible and the mix of pacing, sound and the way it's all shot and tied together puts this above and beyond so many other recent biopics

[@ryant3600]

Such a good movie. Man, Brian was way ahead of his time. The acting was great And Paul Dano.. incredible. I grew up listening to The Beach Boys, especially Pet sounds, my dad had it on "vinyl".. and it was playing in my house a lot. I go to bed listening to Pet Sounds.. it relaxes me and I sleep better.

[@everausten]

I used to think I didn't like biopics, because they just exhaust someone's life and hardships, and they left you feeling miserable. But then I realised, I loved biopics that focused on a specific period in the person's life and had an actual theme and character arc - yunno, like a story! Marie Antoinette, Milk, Fighting With My Family, Lion, The King's Speech, The Queen - all great storytelling ✨💛✨

[@migueldeleon6677]

Atticus Ross, composer of the ambient, confusing, scary sound montages deserved an Oscar. I've never heard anyone more artistically portray what sounds a musical prodigy with Schizoaffective Disorder would hear.

[@matty_daddy]

Actually buddy he was misdiagnosed by his abusive doctor

[@AdminNewPath]

@@matty_daddy That's correct, Brian was mis-diagnosed with Schizophrenia (Psychotic Disorder, Paranoid Type).

[@FortTheMighty]

hi Elliot!! i hope you don't mind a little anecdote-- been watching your videos for like a year, usually Beatles ones cuz thats the stuff i know, but a while ago I finally sat down with this one. aside from like one ex who was kinda into the beach boys, i was never super familiar with them, but this video was still so cool and fascinating and inspired me to listen to pet sounds and watch the film. i struggle with paranoid delusions myself so a lot of brian's struggles really hit home to me. the first time i listened through pet sounds i loved it, but it wasn't until the second time that i really fell in love with it. then the third. then the fourth. i've lost count by now and I still keep putting it back on! there's something so repeatable about it, so beautiful and comforting. but yeah, after one nice walk in the sun where i decided to revisit this album and realized how much I loved it, I felt a lot happier and more hopeful after a long depressive period. funny how an album so sad in a lot of ways can have such a profound effect things are still hard, but i feel okay. love & mercy and brian's story in general is a testament to how you can always manage to keep living. and i think thats what pet sounds embodies for me! oh and i watched the movie again after like 3 weeks of straight pet sounds to the brain and its even better now hahaha so yeah thats the story of how this video indirectly led to me discovering one of my new all-time favorite albums (and movies, damn!) as well as pulling me out of a schizo-depressive state! so thank you, man! keep rockin on

[@ElliotRobertsVideos]

Hey Ava! Thanks so much for sharing this and I’m glad this video has helped you discover the magic of Pet Sounds :)

[@edwardnashtonsglasses]

i always love watching videos about paul dano films because all the comments are always bigging him up and i literally love him so much, half the time i cried while watching love & mercy was more because of how much i love him than the actual film itself😭😭

[@RipleyMadeIt]

As someone completely uninitiated with the beach boys, (obviously heard the hits but nothing else) I'm totally gonna check out the film after this... and pet sounds too, I think this was the push I needed. Love your videos Eliot, great analysis without sounding condescending or pretentious, really feels like I'm just talking with a mate. Keep up the good work, hope you're safe and well!

[@gabrielmuniz008]

a great journey awaits for you

[@shoff1973]

Pet Sounds takes a few listens to truly appreciate. I do remember wondering what all the fuss was about the first time. It’s in my top 5 all-time now.

[@Didyouremembertobuy]

I would also recommend the smile sessions by The Beach Boys. It was supposed to come out after pets sounds, but because of mike love and the record label, the album never finished recording. Over the years there were some bootleg copys, but they weren’t in the right order, or sometime they didn’t have all the songs. The smile sessions officially came out in 2004 (correct me if I am wrong), and are available in most music streaming services and on KZbin for free, just search “the smile sessions by The Beach Boys full” and there will be a playlist there. I hope you enjoyed the amazing catalog The Beach Boys has to offer.

[@jefffinkbonner9551]

When you’re in the position of being completely uninitiated with a particular artist and want to familiarize yourself with their music, I’d really recommend listening to their whole discography in order of release. You really get to appreciate their creative development that way. I’ve done it with Queen and David Bowie, and it’s fascinating! All their early stuff is fine while driving or working out or whatever, but when you get to Pet Sounds, you gotta free yourself of distractions, use good headphones, close your eyes, and just listen for 45 minutes. You’ll be glad you did!

[@mudball35]

Brian is my favorite artist. His voice has made me cry several times. I'm shocked at what he has been through and has come out the other side better than I could imagine.

[@MarkQuick0411]

I’m Not Here is a great example of a music biopic, Control is underrated

[@marguskiis7711]

Control had one big issue: the actor could not replicate the Ian Curtis' insane charisma which is really evident from the rare surviving video and film footages.

[@marguskiis7711]

@@leziaboudreaux8220 control was about myth, not reality.

[@mantis9693]

@@marguskiis7711 Peter Hook himself said the movie was quite accurate, and stated his only issue was Ian's portrayal around the band, stating he was much more "laddy." The movie itself is based on Deborah Curtis's own book.

[@marguskiis7711]

@@mantis9693 Yes, Ian was actually a totally normal bloke until he hit epilepsy 1979 (not earlier!). He was never a zombie like in the movie.

[@mantis9693]

@@marguskiis7711 He started having seizures in late of 1978

[@michaelr1157]

Your review is much appreciated. You spent 40 minutes dissecting my own amazement at this movie. I put off watching it because I saw no way of portraying Brian's life without either sensationalizing it or sanitizing it. Watched it in 2017, three years after its release. I didn't expect the film to be good, but instead saw not just a fair, beautiful and insightful portrait of his life, but -- as you say -- the best biopic ever. What amazed me was how the look and impressions of the film matched what I carried in my imagination for decades. And your review is spot on with how I reacted.

[@theseanwardshow]

I bought this movie! Love it so much

[@alim.9801]

Omg me too!! It's one of the few I actually own

[@katielowen]

Big (vibrations) if true

[@DigitalDirigibles]

Would love to see a Daniel Johnston biopic done with this level of love and mercy. Him and Wilson shared a lot of similarities.

[@_d.v.j.l_2624]

Yes! I would watch that in a heartbeat

[@philliesfan1971]

Johnston's music has been compared to Brian's work on Love You. They definitely were kindred spirits in many ways.

[@Lolavs]

They are kakakakakakaka! They're doing it! Brian they've been doing it for the past three hours!

[@GiacomoJimmi]

That dude looked more like Mike Love than Mike Love.

[@Lolavs]

@@GiacomoJimmi I actually appreciate how they didn't just completely villanize Mike Love. Like yeah, he is a dick, but his portrayal seems more humanized than the way he's often treated.

[@JulioLeonFandinho]

@@Lolavs I'm imagining a Mike Love's biopic... totally a horror movie 🥶

[@Lolavs]

@@JulioLeonFandinho Maybe it could be like a greek tragedy, where the characters tragic flaw(being a talentless hack) eventually leads them to destruction.

[@BlueGeen]

LMAO YES love that part

[@voltamek]

I need to check this movie out. Also makes me think how much I'd like a Beatles biopic centering around the White Album sessions. Love reading about all the shit that went down during and around when they recorded it.

[@_d.v.j.l_2624]

A movie about the white album would be awesome!

[@estellefordyce5536]

So glad to see this film get the credit it deserves. I just watched it recently, and it has been on my mind ever since. I think it will always be one of my favorite movies

[@CindyLouWho77]

I’ve been trying to get my partner, a huge fan of The Beatles, to watch this biopic, which has a very special place in my heart, but he’s convinced The Beach Boy’s are solely an early surf pop band. After watching your video, which really captured the love, tenderness, and creativity of the film beautifully, I’m drawing a line in the sand!

[@soulfoodie1]

This was such a wonderful analysis of a wonderful film. You really show how Love and Mercy manages to show Brian's story . As a massive Brian fan this was the biopic about him I wanted. Paul Danos performance and the pet sounds scenes in particular are absolutely astonishing. I was skeptical about John Cusack before seeing the film but he was excellent as Brian during the Landy era (recommenting for the upload!)

[@Ashfielder]

That smile between Carol and Brian as it all comes together perfectly portrays the musical genius of Brian Wilson.

[@4Mr.Crowley2]

Control is absolutely amazing - it explores the gritty Manchester reality of Ian Curtis and the boys plus the heartbreak of his depression and epilepsy -

[@ianbat7092]

yes! control is such an amazing film, the ending will always haunt me…

[@jennyfer123455]

I randomly came upon a documentary on The Wrecking Crew and then saw this movie on a Plane a month later it took me several scenes to realize this was all newly filmed they had not taken different parts of the first documentary to create this film. It’s incredibly well done.

[@doejanedoe]

Wow, you nailed this. Allll the feels resurfaced watching your depiction. Not only the greatest biopic of all time, but up there as one of the greatest movies of all time. Paul Dano continues to slip under the radar and certainly deserves more recognition for this role. He’ll get his roses, in due time. 🌹 🎭

[@naturallyblonde77]

Man, I had never heard of this biopic, so I looked to see when it came out, and was shocked that it was 2014! How did this fly under the radar? Thank you for this wonderful, thorough video essay, and for bringing this film to my attention. I'm going to go figure out a way to watch it asap :)

[@Pandamasque]

It would be called "Life of Brian" but that was already taken. * badum-tss * I agree, this is the best music biopic out there. Dano's incredible. I mean, watch 'Swiss Army Man', for instance. I enjoyed Love & Mercy immensely even though I was never a huge Beach Boys fan and have only vague familiarity with their music beyond the big hits. And I knew nothing about Brian Wilson other than how he looks and a certain way he moves (especially his hands, which the actors nailed!). So it was a bit like watching an excellent work of fiction. And now owing to your video I can appreciate it for its accuracy too. I'll definitely revisit this film some time, thanks for reminding me! And I'm typing this while listening to Pet Sounds. I grew up endlessly re-watching The Doors on VHS, only to learn much later that I've been cheated. :( There's a good long video essay on "Oliver Stone in leather pants" out there, which in great detail goes into everything that's wrong with that movie, in spite of its phenomenal cast and production. It's called "The Unauthorized Truth About Oliver Stone's The Doors". If by some freak accident you haven't seen the movie yet, I still recommend it just for the performances, musical and otherwise. It's just not good as a biopic. Control was really good, very dark though. Especially in contrast to the New Order movie (well, it's more about "the scene" than just one band) called '24-Hour Party People'. I found 'Walk the Line', 'The Runaways' and 'Get on Up' an enjoyable watch too, even though not ground breaking. Have you seen 'Greetings from Tim Buckley'? It's low budget, but pretty enjoyable. It's actually about one even in Jeff's life, not really about his father Tim. And the lead actor actually imitates Jeff Buckley's singing in a way that makes me very, very envious. Last but not least, check out 'Born to Be Blue' with Ethan Hawke as Chet Baker.

[@uschilou]

Ahhh I loved The Doors film when I was younger too. Looking back, it is horrible, but I'll always have a place in my heart for it. I love Control and 24hr Party People! Also, Paul Dano, yessss. Swiss Army Man was great. I LOVE There Will Be Blood the most though.

[@paulupfront]

Man, this is such a great critique Of Love and Mercy. I love this movie and your comments are spot on. I learned stuff that I was unaware of before, Excellent stuff, Elliot. You're the go to man for this. can't wait for your next one.

[@quackk_kk]

Just watched this last night, its the best biopic I've ever watched. It's such a good watch, I highly recommend.

[@michaelferreri1256]

Nice segment bud! I got through five minutes of Bohemian Rhapsody and immediately went over to real Queen performances. That movie was a big “Whats the point?” I wasn’t even aware of Paul Dano’s portrayal of Brian Wilson. Exceptional actor. So thanks for that! Time to subscribe.

[@number1connieconversefan]

I’m also a big fan of biopics, so it always feels great when they reach their full potential. Love & Mercy as a movie is a work of art in its own right, absolutely adore it

[@chairsmissing]

You've single-handedly picked up all the things I loved and remarked about the great success of this biopic. It's like you reached into my brain and took the words out. Many, many thanks for this video!

[@Aeolous1]

As a huge Beach Boys fans, I actually havent watched Love and Mercy because I was afraid it wouldnt be authentic or even half assed. This video convinced to finally watch it because I never knew Brian himself worked closely with the movie and how different they approached this movie compared to the cliche biopics. Great content as always!

[@queerlydeparted7650]

Brian Wilson’s conservatorship is probably one of the first times the public heard about the arrangement, and how abusive conservators can be. I’m glad to see that they didn’t make it into a spectacle or play up the real pain Wilson had suffered by having Eugene Landy as a cartoonish villain.

[@AT-yg4nk]

This movie absolutely floored me. Didn’t know what to expect, but man it is so well done, and so damn realistic, in the acting, the look, the music, especially in the studio scenes! Incredible! You know it’s a great music biopic because even though it’s clearly about Brian Wilson and The Beach Boys..it never “felt” like a music biopic. It’s just an amazing film.

[@MrKaywyn]

A stunning film which should have swept the Oscars.

[@ruliak]

So good he had to upload it again

[@locha2581]

I’ve only really had a basic love of beach boys because I’ve only really started loving the music in the last 2 years or so. I haven’t listened to every song they’ve done or even any full albums start to end except their first and them live at knebworth in 1980 I feel like this video is going to be a jumping off point for me. Thanks for making it.

[@locha2581]

Update; It definitely is.

[@SeahorsesJay]

@@locha2581 Tell me more, what did you discover? (As Knebworth and the first album are two exceptionally difficult starting points 😂)

[@johnkimsey7164]

The is the most complete and accurate review of this movie. Bravo!

[@MiissAlexandraMakeup]

Thank you so much for introducing me to this incredible film. You are right. This is the best music biopic.