BRIAN WILSON: LONG PROMISED ROAD
Cert 12A ★★★
In cinemas now
Though the mood is celebratory, there are some disturbing moments in this documentary about The Beach Boys maestro Brian Wilson.
Instead of a traditional interview, Rolling Stone editor and long-time friend Jason Fine quizzes the troubled musician as he drives him around the Southern California streets where he and his late brothers once lived.
Reminiscing is clearly a tough process for Brian who suffers from a cognitive condition called schizoaffective disorder.
There’s an awkward pause after Fine casually reveals that one of Brian’s old friends has recently died. The camera holds on the musician as he struggles to process the news.
Thankfully, Brian also has some happier memories and provides valuable insights into the production of seminal tracks including God Only Knows, Good Vibrations and Wouldn’t It Be Nice.
Archive footage also treats us to rare songs and previously unheard demos, unearthed to celebrate The Beach Boys’ 60th anniversary.
The talking head interviews are a bit of a mixed bag. Bruce Springsteen provides moving and articulate testimony to Wilson’s talents but Nick Jonas and self-proclaimed fellow genius Elton John feel like a bit of a distraction.