Brian Wilson: Long Promised Road
Brian Wilson has long been regarded as the mastermind behind one of the world’s most influential bands: the Beach Boys (although some would take umbrage at the claim). He is also one of the most mysterious, primarily down to the schizoaffective disorder from which he suffers. His recollections are emphasised in new film Brian Wilson: Long Promised Road, which is succinct and brief, with the curtain left drawn from prying eyes.
There have been many films and documentaries covering the great man over the years, but director Brent Wilson (no relation) has opted for a different approach; something akin to a road movie. The concept is pretty simple; presumably attempting to make Wilson as comfortable as possible, he and Rolling Stone journalist Jason Fine drive through Southern California, taking in as many memories from the singer’s legendary life as they can. The dashboard-mounted camera conveys the intimacy between Wilson and Fine well, if at points feeling like an episode of Carpool Karaoke (sadly largely without singing) or Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee (the likely inspiration).