More about: The Beach BoysBrian Wilson

Brian Wilson has long been regarded as the mastermind behind one of the world’s most influential bands: the Beach Boys (although some would take umbrage at the claim). He is also one of the most mysterious, primarily down to the schizoaffective disorder from which he suffers. His recollections are emphasised in new film Brian Wilson: Long Promised Road, which is succinct and brief, with the curtain left drawn from prying eyes.

There have been many films and documentaries covering the great man over the years, but director Brent Wilson (no relation) has opted for a different approach; something akin to a road movie. The concept is pretty simple; presumably attempting to make Wilson as comfortable as possible, he and Rolling Stone journalist Jason Fine drive through Southern California, taking in as many memories from the singer’s legendary life as they can. The dashboard-mounted camera conveys the intimacy between Wilson and Fine well, if at points feeling like an episode of Carpool Karaoke (sadly largely without singing) or Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee (the likely inspiration). 

Interspersed with famous fan talking heads including Elton John (insightful), Linda Perry (informative) and Bruce Springsteen (incredulous), the film is effective as a crash-course introduction to the Beach Boys’ — and Wilson’s — long history. The archival footage, with interviews from the band in the mid-60s, when contrasted with an older and more worn Wilson, also has a poignant effect which is surely intended. If not, it bears repeating that by the time he was 22, Brian Wilson had written seven Top 10 singles.

Yet the film’s heart lies in the relationship between Wilson and Fine. Friends for over 25 years, there is very obviously a sweet affection between the two. Upon embarking on the chronological journey through his life, Wilson honestly declares his nerves and asks for advice from Fine on how to deal with them, who responds sympathetically. Despite his largely stoic expression, at points the emotions pass across Wilson’s face like weather and, as he asks that several tracks from his past are stopped from playing through the car stereo (having requested them himself), he regularly wells up. It's apparent that the relationship between Fine and himself affords him the space to do so. 

Arguably the saddest part of the film comes at the mid-point: the two friends take lunch in a Diner and Wilson reveals, almost from nowhere, that he hasn’t had a conversation with a friend in three years. In contrast, the most heart-warming moment comes as Wilson agrees to listen to his brother Dennis’ album Pacific Ocean Blue for the first time ever, nodding approvingly and proudly as he does so. 

Wilson is rarely articulate and doesn’t provide anecdotes, but his answers to simple questions are telling — and almost always involving drugs. When visiting an old house of his, his immediate response is recalling his first acid trip. When discussing Dennis, cocaine is mentioned within seconds. While it may simply be down to his age and his generation, most things are referred to as ‘a trip’, and you are reminded (by the film, which dedicates a large portion to the era) that this man spent nearly a decade effectively as a hostage, being exploited and fed drugs by his therapist Eugene Landy in the 1980's. 

With such a chequered past, it would be remiss of the director not to include some of the darker elements of Wilson’s life, but here lies the film’s major misstep. During a newly-filmed studio session, as Wilson and co. listen to the music looking slightly panicked, the voice of his abusive father is played over the film’s audio, conveying the impression that Wilson himself is recalling his past. To attempt to convey Wilson’s thoughts — especially about such a personal experience — seems presumptuous at best, if not outright crass. 

At surface level, Brian Wilson is as unremarkable man who has lived a remarkable life. Even though the film isn’t seemingly attempting to do so, everything comes back to Wilson’s love of music. When asked his approach to songwriting, he outlines the process in such a basic way that the viewer is reminded of the genius at work. These songs have changed lives, but to him they are easy, thereby making this film an apt reminder to appreciate the likes of Brian Wilson while they are still with us. 

Brian Wilson: Long Promised Road is out now.

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More about: The Beach BoysBrian Wilson