Watched it the other day but, whilst I knew of Brian Wilson's drug problems, I had no idea what a nasty manipulative character Eugene Landy, his 'therapist' was. Seemed to dictate who he could and couldn't see, what he could and couldn't eat whilst seemingly living the life of luxury on the back of Wilson's success.
Bodyguards & minders hand-picked by Landy (included on the payroll his own son) were used to monitor everything Wilson did and report back whilst Landy himself seemed to piggyback off the former Beach Boy's success getting unwarranted musical credits on Wilson's work!! Eventually, the ridiculous quantity of drugs he was using to control him came to light and action was taken to remove Landy's influence.
Paul Dano is superb as the younger Brian completely engrossed in producing the Beach Boys' Pet Sounds album whilst John Cusack, as the older drug-controlled Brian, possibly different facially to the true Brian Wilson, is however mesmering in his portrayal. Paul Giamatti is, even according to Wilson who suffered flashbacks when he previewed the movie due to his likeness & voice match, as always, a great actor to play tough parts like Eugene Landy and Elizabeth Banks as his eventual wife Melinda Ledbetter plays a good positive role in her portrayal as the woman who ultimately saved Wilson due to actions.
Well worth a watch even if it's just to listen to some great Beach Boys classic songs .... give it a go!
