Sam Taylor-Wood’s Nowhere Boy is an account of John Lennon’s latter teenage years, before fame and fortune beckoned with The Beatles. It mainly concerns the relationship between himself, his mother and his aunt. Though it does include the meetings with Paul and George, any fans looking for a musical slant to the film will be disappointed. However, don’t be put off as Taylor-Wood gives us an enjoyable film, though it does have its down sides. The first being that Aaron Johnson, who plays Lennon, bears little resemblance to the man at all (piercing blue eyes!). Though obviously not a deal breaker it is somewhat distracting, especially as Johnson, though only 19, also looks about 10 years older than he actually is. Secondly, though Taylor-Wood gives us one nice little montage and a few jump cuts, the overall feel of the film is a bit stagey. Luckily, this is mostly forgotten due to the great acting on show. Johnson gives a great performance as the ever more confused Lennon (plus points here to Taylor-Wood as well, as she doesn’t shy away from the darker and mean side to Lennon) and Kristin Scott Thomas does unemotional stiff upper lipped Englishness as only she can do. Throw in some amusing dry scouse wit and you’ve got a film that definitely more A Day In The Life than Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da.
The OC Film Sting Final Verdict
Funny, well acted, with a strong emotional core, but you feel this film could just as well be about a random person as opposed to one of the most famous people that’s ever lived. Rating: 7/10.
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