Is Beautiful Dreamer: Brian Wilson and the Story of Smile Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2004)

📖 The Core Premise

Beautiful Dreamer: Brian Wilson and the Story of Smile returns to the screen in 2004, bringing a fresh narrative to the Documentary, Music genre. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "This film tells (using modern day interviews and archival footage and sound tapes) the story of how in 1967, while his band The Beach Boys triumphantly toured abroad, Brian Wilson was trying to push the boundaries of conventional pop music with a new follow-up to the Beach Boys' cutting-edge mega-hit, Pet Sounds. The new album was to be called "SMiLE". SMiLE pushed the envelope both musically and lyrically, and was supposed to out-do the Beatles' Sgt. Pepper record. But Brian wasn't able to sell the project to his band-mates when they returned. The project was shelved and Wilson's well-documented decline into depression, drug abuse, recluseness, and obesity had begun. Thirty-odd years later, Wilson announced that in 2004, SMiLE would be performed live in its entirety in London. This film tells the story of a damaged but healing artist bringing his greatest work to light."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Brian Wilson shines in a role that demands both nuance and gravitas, elevating the material significantly. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Documentary. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Beautiful Dreamer: Brian Wilson and the Story of Smile worth your time? If you appreciate Documentary, Music films that take risks, this is likely a must-watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, Beautiful Dreamer: Brian Wilson and the Story of Smile is a solid addition to the genre. With a runtime of 109 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Definitely Watch.