Indie Gems: Nowhere Boy

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A Day in the Life

Nowhere Boy follows a young John Lennon (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) deals with his complicated relationship with his Aunt Mimi, (Kristin Scott Thomas) the woman who raised him and his mother Julia (Anne Marie Duff) the one that left him as a small child all while trying to start a rock and roll band.

I've been a big fan of the Beatles for some time, though if you're looking for an informative bio pic on Lennon's teen years, this probably isn't for you. Director Sam Taylor-Johnson (Though she was Taylor-Wood when she made this) took a lot of creative liberties. But it doesn't have to be. Even though it doesn't get every detail as it really was, it's still a very rich and engaging story. 

I love how this film was shot. Taylor-Wood (only referring her this way to differentiate between her and Aaron, and this came out in 09 so it feels right) Even though the drama is heavy in some scenes, it has an upbeat feel and the music blended perfectly with it. The acting is excellent all around. Johnson nailed Lennon's accent, even if he doesn't look much like Lennon. Or how we think of Lennon, anyways. Anne Marie Duff was tremendous and even though Kristin Scott Thomas has played a role like this 100 times, she's perfect for it. 

The only part the film really struggled with was when Thomas Brodie-Sangster, who's playing Paul McCartney had to lip sync. Otherwise, I thought he got feel of Paul down. The film is short at around 90 minutes, so it zips by fast and never has the opportunity to drag.

Grade: A

Memorable Quote: "Because I don't go around smashing things and acting like a dick? - Paul (Thomas Brodie-Sangster)

Comments

  1. DellSeptember 11, 2015 at 10:38 AM

    I've heard of this movie, but had no idea it was about Lennon. I want to see it more urgently, now, especially since you gave it an A.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamSeptember 11, 2015 at 12:07 PM

      I hope you like it too! It's definitely not a 100% factual biopic but it's still a hell of a watch.

      Delete
  2. s.September 11, 2015 at 1:59 PM

    Jojen plays McCartney?:D Wow ^^

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamSeptember 12, 2015 at 7:05 AM

      He's got the look down, but I felt really bad that they made him lip sync because it was SO bad.

      Delete
  3. AnonymousSeptember 11, 2015 at 3:42 PM

    UGH, I keep telling myself to see this for KST, because I love her, but I keep forgetting!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamSeptember 12, 2015 at 7:05 AM

      She plays the same character she normally does - really stern mother. She's good though. She has some great moments.

      Delete
  4. thevoid99September 11, 2015 at 6:31 PM

    I do love this film as did my father who is a Beatles fan.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamSeptember 12, 2015 at 7:04 AM

      I'm glad to hear other Beatles fans love it. When it first came out I just remember die hard fans being annoyed at some of the liberties taken. I didn't think it mattered.

      Delete
  5. JoshOctober 5, 2015 at 2:12 AM

    I really liked it. Solid performances all around, and I'm usually not a Taylor-Johnson fan.

    ReplyDelete

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