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Smile's history is a long and somewhat depressing tale. It's a
story of one man's struggle -- a struggle to make a perfect album, a
struggle to beat what he saw as his main competition (The Beatles), a
struggle with his bandmates in The Beach Boys, a struggle with stardom,
addiction and loneliness, and ultimately a struggle against himself and his
inner demons. As dramatic as it may sound, Brian Wilson's extended journey
to make the long-heralded and anticipated Smile album deserves the
attention it has received.
Brian Wilson presents Smile centerpiece is Beautiful Dreamer: Brian Wilson and The Story
of Smile, a full-length documentary written and directed by David
Leaf, chronicling each chapter of the former Beach Boy's attempt to craft
what he saw as the perfect record -- something that no other band or
musician had done before (it was 1967, mind you), and something that people
worldwide would regard as extraordinary and unique. The film shows Wilson's
trials as he begins the record, and briefly touches on his legendary battle
with depression during his time with The Beach Boys, and how he stayed home
writing songs while the rest of the band toured the world. It also portrays
Wilson as a tortured artist -- none of his intimates understand his passion
or his vision, especially not the record label or his bandmates, and the
film jadedly presents this as the catalyst for his eventual total withdrawal
and breakdown.
Wilson, of course, rides out his vision as long as he physically and
mentally can, and the rest is musical history. For the uninformed, he
shelves Smile, despite the press and anticipation, and it sits for
more than 30 years before Wilson is convinced -- somewhat begrudgingly -- to
pick up where he left off. He's obviously had a rough time of it over the
past few decades, but it seems that his marriage is one of the musician's
saving graces. His wife provides the much-needed therapy (and one can only
assume psychotropic drugs) and is always there to support him along the way.
However, we get the sense that a lot of the passion for
music has left Wilson and only the fact that he agrees to perform the album live
in London -- and the fact he has an incredibly respectful, patient,
and supportive backing band -- keeps him from completely withdrawing again
and refusing to perform.
The film is highly in-depth and inspirational. Seeing Wilson (and a cast of
dozens, including lyricist Van Dyke Parks, actors Rob Reiner and Jeff
Bridges, and multiple musicians and friends) discuss their affection and
admiration for Pet Sounds, Wilson's drug abuse, his mental problems
(exacerbated, no doubt, by the steady intake of marijuana and LSD), and the
recording sessions for Smile, is fascinating. More interesting
is Wilson's admission of his "competition" with The Beatles. He knew the
British band had something special and he was intent on beating them to the
musical breakthrough punch. His hopes were shattered, however, when he heard
"Strawberry Fields Forever" -- Wilson recants the story of hearing it for
the first time while driving, high on Seconal, and admits that he had to
pull over because of the overpowering music and the fact he was instantly
convinced that he had lost his imagined battle (of course, it had nothing to do with the drugs...).
The film also features interviews with Sir George
Martin (The Beatles' producer) and lets viewers know that John Lennon and
Paul McCartney were blown away by Wilson's work on The Beach Boys'
groundbreaking Pet Sounds album. Later, the film shows Sir Paul
himself greeting Wilson before Smile's London debut -- it's
an eerie moment, with McCartney standing over an obviously nervous Wilson,
wishing him well while Wilson kisses McCartney's hand. It's a bizarre scene
and reminds us that while Wilson has recovered to some extent, his insecurities are, sadly, still intact.
Once Wilson goes onstage, however, we see that this weakened musician is still a potent performer. Some people think Wilson is a genius, while others deride him as a drug-addled kook, but to viewers, the performance, the crowd's reaction, and the
eventual (and inevitable) standing ovation make one point clear: while Wilson's struggles to make
this album took their toll on him, they didn't lessen his legend. It's a great feeling watching a man who
went through so much to present his "gift" to the world finally getting the affirmation he deserves.
The set's bonus material includes aftershow performances, interview
highlights, and the theatrical trailer. The second DVD includes a
performance of Smile, recorded in Los Angeles, and also features
Wilson solo piano performances, a photo gallery, and a recording studio
featurette. In other words, there's a wealth of Wilson material here, and it will be even more compelling after you've viewed Beautiful Dreamer.
-- David A. Cobb
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