I'm not sure what the negative reviewers on IMDb saw, but it certainly wasn't this film. They seem to have problems with the premise of the film, the very nature of biopics, and non- existent problems with the film itself. Let me get something straight- biopic films are melodramatic and exaggerated by nature. Otherwise, we'd get a much more watered down film that'll only interest the most hardcore of fans, and bore everyone else to death. If you want realism, read a John Lennon biography, or watch a documentary. This, by its own admission, is a DRAMA about a teenage John Lennon, and the emotional effect his mother and aunt had on his adolescence. It isn't about his adulthood, or the music itself- that was made clear with in the advertising, so I'm not sure what people are whining about.
Having said that, this film is far from sugar-coated and pleasant. It gave a very honest and objective look at the man, showing that he wasn't a saint, and at times portrays characteristics not unlike the antagonistic school bully in your average high school movie, particularly in his treatment of the young Paul McCartney. It reminded me a lot of Cemetery Junction- not necessarily 100% realistic, but still dramatic and dark, as well as being humorous, heartwarming and uplifting in places. The film does an excellent job of showcasing Lennon's signature witty retorts and mindset, and that brings me on to the performances.
The acting is more or less spot on. Aaron Johnson, Kirsten Scott Thomas and Anne-Marie Duff all work together to create a triumvirate of acting perfection- each part is entirely naturalistic and believable portrayed, and the emotional turmoil that John is feeling really reflects on the viewer- Is his mother free-spirited and lovable, or reckless and frivolous? Is his aunt cold and oppressive, or loving and protective? The film constantly throws the viewer between each one, and although not necessarily excellently plotted or expertly constructed, Nowhere Boy creates a potent drama that asks as many questions as it attempts to answer. I, for one, enjoyed the hell out of this, and would recommend it to Beatles fan or hater alike.
Having said that, this film is far from sugar-coated and pleasant. It gave a very honest and objective look at the man, showing that he wasn't a saint, and at times portrays characteristics not unlike the antagonistic school bully in your average high school movie, particularly in his treatment of the young Paul McCartney. It reminded me a lot of Cemetery Junction- not necessarily 100% realistic, but still dramatic and dark, as well as being humorous, heartwarming and uplifting in places. The film does an excellent job of showcasing Lennon's signature witty retorts and mindset, and that brings me on to the performances.
The acting is more or less spot on. Aaron Johnson, Kirsten Scott Thomas and Anne-Marie Duff all work together to create a triumvirate of acting perfection- each part is entirely naturalistic and believable portrayed, and the emotional turmoil that John is feeling really reflects on the viewer- Is his mother free-spirited and lovable, or reckless and frivolous? Is his aunt cold and oppressive, or loving and protective? The film constantly throws the viewer between each one, and although not necessarily excellently plotted or expertly constructed, Nowhere Boy creates a potent drama that asks as many questions as it attempts to answer. I, for one, enjoyed the hell out of this, and would recommend it to Beatles fan or hater alike.