Brian Wilson is best known as the principal writer and producer for the Beach Boys’ famed hits, and, this documentary traces Brian Wilson’s extensive career in music from the 1960s until today. Now close to 80, Brian Wilson still appears in concert and continues to write and produce music.
Director Brent Wilson weaves video footage, still photographs, and audio of Brian Wilson’s music with informative narration by notable musicians from several time periods: Sir Elton John, Bruce Springsteen, Linda Perry, Nick Jonas, Gustavo Dudamel, Taylor Hawkins, and more. All musicians agree that Brian has a special talent for music—terming it “genius”—and each narrator strives to illuminate Brian’s gift for story, harmony, and creative use of chords.
Fans of the Beach Boys will certainly enjoy the abundant number of soundtracks in the film; individuals interested in mental health will recognize Brian’s struggle with mental illness and will appreciate his ability to pull through the difficult periods in his life. Long-time friend and journalist for Rolling Stones magazine, Jason Fine interviews Brian Wilson as he drives Brian around in his car, visiting the places where Brian grew up, and where Brian writes and produces music.
Suffering from mental illness, Brian tells Jason he first notices hearing voices in his ear at age 21—audio hallucinations-- and later is diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder. Jason accommodates Brian’s need for calm by driving, listening to music, and letting Brian reminisce as they visit past places. At Brian’s childhood home in Hawthorne, California, is a monument to the Beach Boys.
At Malibu beach is a sign stating this is the place where the Beach Boys sang “Surfin’ Safari." When Jason asks Brian how he creates a song, Brian tells Jason, “My creative work starts in my head; I get an idea and work out the song on piano; otherwise, I can’t explain it”. Brian says the process is simple: “Start with the background track, add background vocals, and add the lead.”
With the album Pet Sounds, Brian’s musical interests change, his music becomes more personal, and he leaves the group in 1967 to begin work on Smile. Brian comments the work is challenging and he abandons it until 2004 when the music makes a successful comeback in London. Concert goers hear “Heroes and Villains”—one of the outstanding songs from the album; Brian thinks that in the sixties Smile was ahead of its time.
The film also covers some of Brian’s mental health struggles, including his difficult relationships with his father and his psychotherapist. The final song on the film “Long Promised Road” acknowledges Brian Wilson’s lifetime struggle with mental illness and his desire to keep fighting. With special photos and videos of Brian at various ages, this film presents a wonderful tribute to Brian Wilson. Highly recommended. Aud: J, H, C, P.