Westside Steve Posted November 17, 2010 Report Share Posted November 17, 2010 Nowhere Boy Weinstein R 96 min Outside of family and friends I can’t think of anyone who has had more influence over the formative years my life than John Lennon. For millions of fellow latter day baby boomers, The Beatles were the voice face and soul of a generation. Sociologists can delve into the reasons for that phenomenon, but no matter what answers they come up with the fact remains that for better or worse these four working class musicians became icons. We tend to forget that they were human and vulnerable to the same mundane slings and arrows that affect us all in life. NOWHERE BOY is a look at that side of John Lennon (Aaron Johnson) seen here not as a god but a frightened little boy. Those who’ve devoured every Beatle biography there is know that his stern but steady aunt Mimi (Kristin Scott Thomas) raised young John because free spirited mother Julia was never able to deal with everyday life let alone the responsibility of a son. When he finds that Julia has lived right around the corner his entire life, they bond to the disapproval of Mimi. Though she and John have fun during their time together she’ll never be stable enough to be a parent. Still it’s from her that the boy seems to absorb a need to show off, to be the center of attention. He’ll team up with some subordinate musicians as well as a young Paul McCartney whose talent rivals his own, but that’s not the focus of this film. It’s a fascinating look at a part pf Lennon’s life that’s gone unnoticed by all but a few hard-core fans. Two points to aficionados: don’t expect a Beatle movie and prepare to suspend reality a bit as Johnson isn’t quite a perfect mimic. Otherwise it’s a film every one with any interest in the Beatles should see. WSS B Email westsidesteve@aol.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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