Nowhere Boy

We hear the first note of 'A Hard Day's Night" and that is all, but its powerful enough to transport us in to 50's Liverpool and with this we enter the early life of John Lennon (Played by Aaron Johnson). It seems to be the season of the biopic with films like Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll creating great buzz (as Andy Serkis delivers a chilling;y excellent performance). But this is perhaps where the similarities end. Although tragic, I dont think the early life of Lennon can be justified as watchable. The film at times lacks the pithy wit that Lennon became so loved for and in the absence of this we are reminded that nostalgia rules what we want to see. The portrayal of Paul McCratney alone seemed bizarre. He was not explored further enough to be a considerable character and therefore we were left wondering if there was a point to such a performance with Thomas Sangster trying his best to make a part out of a shoddily written idea.

Kristin Scott Thomas however, delivers a commendably measured performance as the strained Aunt Mimi with such harshness resulting in a captivating watch. Similarly this is complimented well by the somewhat rebellious cheeky chappy Aaron Johnson. He shows a sophistication to his performance which resonates most poignantly during the funeral of his mother. The raw and complex emotions are visibly seen and in that moment all can be forgiven for his part to play in Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging.

This seems to be an organic film and very much a labour of love for those involved but ultimately the it indulges too much in the relationship with his mother to the point where all other plot lines are either abandoned not seen objectively. This hy[hyperbolic focus on emotion became overwhelming at times and restraint was needed with 'less is more' being an apt motto for Sam Taylor Wood's future work.

H xx