A new trailer for Love & Mercy hits all the musical biopic cliches

Last Updated on August 2, 2021

The music may change, but the arc remains the same. Musician begins bursting with promise and creativity. Musician slices brother in half with machete. Musician hits it big and enjoys new found fame. Musician pushes limits and begins to lose oneself to drink/drugs/madness. Musician dies and/or experiences moment of humility. Roll credits.

Director Bill Pohlad’s LOVE & MERCY, a biopic covering the life of The Beach Boy’s Brian Wilson, just released a new trailer which at first glance seems to follow the stereotypical formula common for these types of pictures. However there is hope present thanks to Paul Dano and John Cusack, both whom play Brian Wilson at different points in his life. The two actors, especially Dano, seem to be bringing their A game to this tale of musical genius.

I’ve been burned by these types of films before but even I have to admit there could be something more here. You don’t have to take my word on it though, our own Chris Bumbray reviewed the film last year when it premiered at TIFF.

Love & Mercy presents an unconventional portrait of Brian Wilson, the mercurial singer, songwriter and leader of The Beach Boys. Set against the era defining catalog of Wilson’s music, the film intimately examines the personal voyage and ultimate salvation of the icon whose success came at extraordinary personal cost.

LOVE & MERCY will hit theaters June 5th, 2015.