Watch Brian Wilson: Long Promised Road

Brian Wilson: Long Promised Road from 2021 is a documentary film directed by Brent Wilson that tells the story of the musical genius behind The Beach Boys, Brian Wilson. The film follows his journey from his early days growing up in Southern California to his rise to fame with the band, his struggle with mental health, and his triumphant return to music and the stage. The movie features interviews with musicians and celebrities who have been influenced by Wilson's music, including Nick Jonas, Elton John, and Bruce Springsteen.

The film takes us back to the influential days of The Beach Boys, focusing on their music, their iconic harmonies, and their unique sound. Through archival footage and interviews with those who knew him best, we learn about the pressures that Wilson faced as the creative force behind the band. He was the leader of the group, but some of his bandmates did not always understand his musical vision or his struggles with mental illness.

The story is told through interviews with Wilson himself, who reflects on his creative process and his struggles with addiction and mental illness. We see him talk about his early days in the music industry, his complicated relationship with his father, and the making of his most ambitious album, "Pet Sounds." The documentary delves into Wilson's mental health and his struggles with depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia, leading to his struggles with addiction and his long period of reclusiveness.

Throughout the film, we see Wilson's creative genius unfold, with concert footage and interviews with his collaborators about how he pushed the boundaries of music, incorporating elements of rock, pop, and classical music. This exploration of his music is beautifully crafted and will appeal to both casual fans and hardcore Beach Boys aficionados.

In addition to the interviews with Nick Jonas, Elton John, and Bruce Springsteen, we hear from other musicians and industry insiders who offer insight into Wilson's influence on music, including Paul McCartney, Mike Love, and Jakob Dylan. The performances by these musical legends and their heartfelt love for Wilson's music make for a compelling tribute.

The documentary is not just a celebration of Wilson's music, but also his resilience in the face of adversity. The film highlights his long-standing fascination with the ocean and the healing power of nature, which became a source of inspiration for his music. We see how Wilson overcame his struggles with addiction and mental illness and found solace in his creativity, collaborating with other musicians and performing live once again. The final sequences of the movie showcase Wilson performing some of his most iconic songs, bringing the film full circle and reminding us of his enduring musical legacy.

Overall, Brian Wilson: Long Promised Road from 2021 is an insightful, moving, and uplifting documentary that provides an intimate portrait of one of the most influential musicians of our time. The film not only celebrates Wilson's musical contributions but also reminds us of the power of music to heal and inspire.

Brian Wilson: Long Promised Road is a 2021 documentary. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3 and a MetaScore of 67.