Nowhere Boy

8.1/10 Dropps

Genre: Drama, Biographical
Rated: R
Running Time: 1 hr. 37 min.

In Theaters: Oct 8, 2010 Wide (Now playing at Enzian in Orlando)
Box Office:$1.2M
Directed By: Sam Taylor Wood

When names like Ray Charles, or Johnny Cash are placed next to words like biopic,
there will always be multiple naysayers. Fortunately, Ray and Walk The Line, did
their musical geniuses justice, creating beautifully crafted films the focused around
the lives of two of music’s most interesting characters. NOWHERE BOY does the
same justice for the pre-Beatle life of John Lennon.

NOWHERE BOY follows the young John Lennon through his turbulent youth and
upbringing in Liverpool. The film follows John at a point in his life torn between two
mothers; his biological mother Julia, and his aunt Mimi who has raised him since
he was five years old. More specifically, NOWHERE BOY follows the young John
Lennon through his discovery of rock’ n’ roll, his troubled relationship with his real
mother, and the journey that lead him to the forming of one of the most famous
groups in history.

Unlike most biopics, NOWHERE BOY only follows the life of John Lennon through
a short number of years. From his early discovery of rock’ n’ roll to his initial
departure from Liverpool to form a new band (eluding to The Beatles). Writer
Matt Greenhalgh and Director Sam Taylor-Wood were smart in this decision, they
were able to really flesh out a pivotal time in the life of John Lennon and create a
beautifully imagined film as a result. Sam Taylor-Wood captures this story with
grace, and creates an essence essential to the era. The use of superb costume design
and beautiful scenery too, create an authentic feel of 1950’s Liverpool.

The young Aaron Johnson (The Illusionist, Kick-Ass) takes on the role of the
young John Lennon, and gives a stunning performance in his portrayal. Johnson
captures the adolescent wit and defiance of Lennon perfectly, leaving nothing to
be desired and adding another strong performance of his young career. Portraying
another famous Beatle is Thomas Sangster as the young Paul McCartney. Sangster
masterfully executes a softer, more controlled McCartney, a nice mirror to Johnson’s
rugged, defiant portrayal of Lennon.

NOWHERE BOY is a great biopic in the sense that it captures a moment in a
legendary life so honestly. Unfortunately, copyright limitations kept the movie from
using any real Beatles songs, and even the band name, but it in no way does this
harm the functionality of the film, seeing as it set nearly ten years before the actual
formation. NOWHERE BOY is not only a masterfully envisioned and executed film,
but also a treasure for any Lennon and Beatle fan.
-Hunter Freiburg