Brian Wilson: I Just Wasn't Made for These Times (1995)

Such a frustrating disappointment

Great Film overall

Excellent but underrated film

It's funny watching the elements come together in this complicated scam. On one hand, the set-up isn't quite as complex as it seems, but there's an easy sense of fun in every exchange.

This is a very intimate, personal and affectionate portrait of Brian Wilson, shot around 1994-95, just after the time when he emerged from his exile from "his room". There's lots to love about this film. There are musicologists describing Brian's unique compositions and chord structures; there are musical legends gushing over the words and music; there are interviews with Brian himself, trying to define just what clicks in his head when a melody comes together (magical stuff there). What's really missing is the music. There's so much discussion of the recording styles and the genius arranging Brian did in the 60's, but not one second of it in the film. I suppose that footage is expensive and they budget was limited for a TV doc? This film really suffered for it's absence. Secondly, the entire story of Brian Wilson's descent and revival from mental illness and drug addiction is told without the name Eugene Landy being uttered a single time. At one point someone (cannot remember who) says, "Brian's assistant wouldn't let him talk to anyone for a while, but then that was over". THAT'S IT??? Talk about a whitewash of history! THAT'S the interesting part of this story! Thirdly, brother Dennis Wilson's death wasn't mentioned at all. In fact, I don't think Dennis' name was mentioned at all in this film. Kind of an important event to gloss over.The true magic in this film comes at the end, when Brian performs "Do It Again" with his daughters Carney and Wendy on backing vocals. Wilson lights up light a Christmas tree and gives perhaps the most animated and passionate performance of any song I've ever seen out of him. It's really quite a moment. REALLY strangely, Eugene Landy is given a writing credit on the song "Love and Mercy" in the closing credits. What???. This film is hard to find, but you might have luck at your local library. It's worth a watch with the understanding that you're not getting the full story.

I don't think a better story of Brian Wilson can be told on a video (Brian might disagree but ....). This is just a great biography of Brian Wilson as himself and a musician. If Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington are American Bach and Handel, Brian Wilson is the Beethoven, and we're fortunate that we live in an age of video recording that his personal opinion can be seen and heard by everyone. His creative talent is obvious when we listen to his music, but it's even more so when you watch this video. He is generous at given other people like Phil Specter and the Beatles credit for influencing his music, but even so his contributions are unmistakable. Family members and friends adds to the comment about their relationship with Brian which sheds light on his time and life as a Beach Boy. A must see if you're a music fan and fan of Brian Wilson's music.

An amazing film which shows how strong Brian Wilson really is if he can survive all that he went through and come out the other side and be the performer that he is today.His music will still be talked about in 50 years time,the music that a generation grew up to and the music that's making a new generation of fans realise that there's more to music than image and miming.He has quite rightly earned his place among the few artists who deserve to be called a genius. A film that is a must for any Brian Wilson/Beach Boys fan.

I missed the Beach Boys when they hit big the first time around, but was introduced to the double LP, 'Endless Summer' that recharged their careers. Now they've gone through however many different incarnations, and Brian Wilson has been tabloid fodder many times over the past 10 years or so.Famed music-producer Don Was decided it was his honor to pay tribute to a man who, indeed, was a musical genius, a man who's artistry influenced so, so many, both in the music business, and beyond.In different ways, Keith Richards, through 'Hail, Hail, Rock and Roll' (the life of Chuck Berry), and Bruce Springsteen, with his 'Roy Orbison, A Black and White Night' made wonderful, lasting tributes to men who's musical contributions were cornerstone to a generation. After watching this film, I find Brian Wilson no less deserving.The film is honest and fairly raw. There are many generous tributes from incredible stars, as well as recounts from family and friends. The framework is Wilson himself, telling his story, and this, of course is many times difficult to watch just due to the deterioration Wilson has experienced over his life. He seems lucid, and his memory is strong, but he struggles with speech and his focus is not real sharp at times.It's a wonderful tribute, lovingly crafted. Music buffs and documentary hounds should lap this one up.