I finally saw Nowhere Boy last night as recommended to me by my boyfriend. It's the story of John Lennon before The Beatles and how he became interested in music. Oh! It's so nice! Such, what I would call, a "solid piece of film making"! The cast is very fine. Aaron Johnson really did a superb job as John Lennon. The spot on script and directing certainly helped him along but he managed to nail that switched on, slightly goofy, slightly cruel John Lennon we've all seen in interviews. The rest of the cast was as equally competent but for my money I'd have to say the real star was Kristin Scott Thomas as aunt Mimi. Wow! So understated and subtle but a very effective bit of acting on her part. I feel like digging out all her films now!
To look at it was a delight. The locations were not intrusive but managed to add another dimension to the story. The costume designs were a treat in themselves. It was interesting to watch John evolve from a school boy to a serious rocker in the clothes that he wore. The adult cast was finely dressed - the early 1950s styles were really something - I admired especially the well turned out Kristin Scott Thomas' dresses.
Similarly the soundtrack is such fun! Listening to the singers and bands that influenced Lennon's early music career like Eddie Cochrane, Elvis Presley and Buddy Holly amongst others was surprisingly refreshing and incredibly enjoyable.
Finally, I think this film was so fine beacuse Sam Taylor Wood (the director) managed to tell a sometimes very sad story in an unsentimental and unpretentious way. It is a tricky subject matter given how influential and important John Lennon is to a lot of people but Sam Taylor Wood made it very entertaining, interesting, sweet and good to look at. Bravo!
Hi Sam,
It sounds like a good film. I will put it on my mental to watch list!
Posted by: Sarah | May 28, 2010 at 07:53 AM
i also enjoyed this film a lot. and with you on kristin - i'm a big fan.
Posted by: PRIMOEZA | May 28, 2010 at 12:31 PM
Have not watched this one, but I trust your taste...will look it up on my next rental~
Fabulous weekend Sam darling!
xo
Posted by: lenorenevermore | May 28, 2010 at 10:06 PM
Fab review, darling!
A must see!
xoxox,
CC
Posted by: Couture Carrie | May 29, 2010 at 01:53 AM
Sounds like a wonderful movie! Thanks so much for sharing, i'll need to check it out. :) Have a lovely merry happy weekend and love to yoU!
Posted by: Jacqueline | May 29, 2010 at 01:41 PM
Wow, I had never heard of this movie before, but I just saw it Wednesday night with friends -- how funny that you just saw it, too!! I also really like the boy who played Paul -- he was my show-stealer. So loveable -- the quintessential "wise beyond his years" character. I liked their interactions a lot, too. And I agree -- a solid piece of film making. Well put!
Posted by: KIM | May 29, 2010 at 04:10 PM
Must see it now Sam! Love the detail put into your review... !
Posted by: Gabbi | May 30, 2010 at 10:23 AM
I haven't yet seen the film but I'm dying to see it purely based on your review! What a wonderfully written post Sam! You should be a film reviewer! You could join 'At the Movies' and sit between David & Margaret to keep them inline when arguments start heating up between them :)
Posted by: Tracy | May 31, 2010 at 04:03 PM
Sounds like a cool flick! I just added it to my Netflix queue (unfortunately it's not playing in the theater in my city, boo...)
Posted by: Marsi @ The Cottage Cheese | June 02, 2010 at 11:03 PM