Tuesday M.O.T.E.M.: Andrew Buchan in "Nowhere Boy" (2009)
I don't know much about the early life of John Lennon, so I can't tell if this movie is "authentic" or not. What it is, in any case, is a touching and at times painful tale of a young man who's torn between the aunt who raised him, and the mother who's been absent for most of his life. There's rebellion, hurt and anger on John's part, and two sisters who couldn't be more different in the way they show (or hide) their love for him.
There are some strong performances: Aaron Johnson might not perfectly look the part, but he gives a very convincing portrayal of John. Kristin Scott Thomas as his stern and seemingly cold aunt Mimi is excellent. But then she always is, no surprise there. Anne-Marie Duff as John's mother delivers the probably most touching performance; up one moment, down the next; there's not one second one doesn't feel for and with her. Andrew Buchan plays Michael Fishwick (looking great in 50ies garb), a student of biochemistry who rents one of the rooms in Mimi's house. He makes a lovely contrast to rebellious John (and I couldn't help wondering if he might have a bit of a crush on Aunt Mimi!)
However, casting Thomas Brodie-Sangster as Paul McCartney was a howl. Yes, of course, Paul McCartney was young back then, but not - seven. Or eight. Eddie Cochran wept.
If you're looking for an "early Beatles" movie, then you might be disappointed. But if you enjoy good drama with great music, then I can only recommend "Nowhere Boy", with extra points for the rather authentic portrayal of the 1950ies in Britain. (Liverpool wasn't that clean back then, though. Just saying.)
Molly originally posted this entry at http://joyful-molly.dreamwidth.org/333229.html. You can comment on LJ or DW, using OpenID.
There are some strong performances: Aaron Johnson might not perfectly look the part, but he gives a very convincing portrayal of John. Kristin Scott Thomas as his stern and seemingly cold aunt Mimi is excellent. But then she always is, no surprise there. Anne-Marie Duff as John's mother delivers the probably most touching performance; up one moment, down the next; there's not one second one doesn't feel for and with her. Andrew Buchan plays Michael Fishwick (looking great in 50ies garb), a student of biochemistry who rents one of the rooms in Mimi's house. He makes a lovely contrast to rebellious John (and I couldn't help wondering if he might have a bit of a crush on Aunt Mimi!)
However, casting Thomas Brodie-Sangster as Paul McCartney was a howl. Yes, of course, Paul McCartney was young back then, but not - seven. Or eight. Eddie Cochran wept.
If you're looking for an "early Beatles" movie, then you might be disappointed. But if you enjoy good drama with great music, then I can only recommend "Nowhere Boy", with extra points for the rather authentic portrayal of the 1950ies in Britain. (Liverpool wasn't that clean back then, though. Just saying.)
Molly originally posted this entry at http://joyful-molly.dreamwidth.org/333229.html. You can comment on LJ or DW, using OpenID.