Bozeman Magazine

Good Vibrations in Love and Mercy

If you haven’t had a chance to experience the powerful new digital projector and sound system at the Ellen Theatre, the brilliant musical biopic, Love and Mercy, screening Tuesday, July 21st at 7:30 pm is the perfect opportunity. An unconventional portrait of Brian Wilson, the mercurial singer, songwriter and leader of The Beach Boys, the film is set against the era-defining catalog of Wilson’s music, and intimately examines the personal voyage and ultimate salvation of the icon whose success came at extraordinary personal cost.

Director Bill Pohlad’s (12 Years A Slave, Tree of Life) decidedly unconventional Love & Mercy, which takes its title from an overlooked 1988 solo single from Brian Wilson, is the Pet Sounds of biopics. Pohlad tells a story that has been told before — much like Wilson did with the popular three-minute pop songs on that landmark and influential 1966 Beach Boys record — but the execution is unexpected, fresh, challenging and grandly entertaining. The New York Times’ A.O. Scott states; “It’s a loving tribute to the Beach Boys and the man responsible for their distinctive sound, but it goes to deeper and stranger places than most movies of its kind.” With superb, insightful performances by Paul Dano, John Cusack, Paul Giamatti and Elizabeth Banks, Love & Mercy is a valuable addition to rock ’n’ roll cinema, offering a glimpse into the making of immortal pop tunes, songs of love and longing that are astonishing considering the mental anguish their creator was enduring. Rated PG-13, the film runs 121 minutes.

August 22 film TBA. Our Summer Series wraps up Friday, August 28th with the return of Story Under the Stars, the BFS renewing its partnership with the Friends of Story Mansion to bring a free outdoor family classic to the lush greenspace of Story Mansion Park. Visit bozemanfilmsociety.org for information and updates on new titles.

Tickets to Bozeman Film Society screenings at The Ellen Theatre are $8.75/GA; $8.50/Seniors & Students (ticketing surcharges applied at purchase) and may be purchased online at www.theellentheatre.com, by calling 585-5885, or by visiting The Ellen’s box office Wednesday – Saturday 1-3 pm, or two hours before the screening. Sponsors, Patron and Cheap Seat pass-holders may reserve seats by calling or visiting the Ellen box office or contacting Lisa at info@bozemanfilmsociety.org.