A Classic Musical Biography

Rating: 10/10 (20 June 2015)

"Love & Mercy" is a rare film showing us the artist, the artistry, the joys of creation, and the torture experienced by genius, as it exposes the differences between them and us normal folks. Throughout history many of those artists have been characterized as being strange, abnormal, weird, and at times, sick. Yes, they have special chemistry and aptitude that put them in a very special category, and Brian Wilson, wonderfully played by Dano and Cusack is indeed a special type of man.
Throughout his life, Wilson experiences all types of pain, from the overbearing ego of his father who demands too much from him, doesn't know how to express his frustration except through verbal and physical abuse leaving irreversible damage in Wilson's body and psyche. Add to Wilson's background, some type of mental condition which allows him to develop creatively but also exposes him to stimulation overload.
Enter a psychiatrist with dubious intentions and an evil/mean streak, and we have plenty of drama, which is added to the already difficult and complex process of creating a masterpiece. For years, the musical talents and success of the Beach Boys have made them very successful. Eventually, they have found a way to dump their father and keep evolving musically. The question is how far are they willing to go, allowing Wilson to try new visionary and experimental sounds. Studio musicians seem to be able to appreciate his new approach. It's problematic for the other members of the band who have come to rely on a successful formula. There are references to how the music business is changing and how other famous bands are inspired by the Beach Boys' harmonies, and how the Beach Boys are willing to try some of that other group's concepts.
Watching a song develop from an idea, an emotion, to a series of different takes, adding or dropping sounds, notes, veering from the norm, hearing the basic lyrics and melodies, then watching as layer after layer is added is indeed a breathtaking miracle.
There is also the human drama, the encounter of Wilson and the woman who eventually saves him from a horrible fate. Elizabeth Banks is marvelous as the beautiful, insecure woman who can relate to other people in distress and must eventually go beyond what she believes she is capable of doing to fight for the man she loves.
As a young Wilson, Dano is a latent time bomb. He is constantly raw, waiting for anything to trigger an anxiety attack or a nervous breakdown. Some see his reactions as maybe those of a fickle artist, but he cries for help, joking that maybe he's already losing it. Sadly, others can't recognize it. Through the use of sounds and visuals, coupled with superb editing, we get a cinema experience that blends the energy of "Whiplash" with the tension of "Foxcatcher" and it certainly delivers the artistry and psychological nightmares that a certain theater hinted at.
Most impressive is the work of Cusack, as the frail and vulnerable older Wilson. His eyes project pain, ask for help and seem lost as he is exposed to the ravages of medication and abuse by his doctor. Banks is attracted to him, falls in love with him and is helpless for most of the story because even she appears unable to understand how she can get through the legal and psychological baggage she and Wilson carry.
It's a great film, one that grabs you, evokes strong emotions and never forgets that at the heart of great work there is a certain degree of pain. It makes you understand how something is born, and much like a human being there's much to endure during delivery and development.