Midas Man

As a lifelong Beatles fan, I had to watch this film. To be honest, I was already familiar with most of the narrative but could not resist an in depth view of the passion and pain behind the driving force!

And it started well. The relation between Epstein and his 'boys' was well acted and drew me in. This was largely down to an excellent performance from Jacob Fortune-Lloyd. He manages to combine passion, eccentricity and brilliance - particularly in the first half hour.

But for me it then lost its way and became a bit rushed. There isn't really enough space to explore the contradictions that led to Brian's tragic demise. The absence of any Beatles compositions was a huge problem. The memorable intro to Twist and Shout at the Royal Variety Show needs erm Twist and Shout. The same goes for the final scenes with the broadcast of All You Need is Love which did not include the song itself.

It all fell short of its opening promise. I have to mention a special performance from Darci Shaw as Cilla Black. Her touching moment with Brian is the standout moment.

The story of Brian Epstein is a fascinating story, and I'm afraid this film disappoints. The breaking of the fourth wall works in some films, but not this one. I didn't mind Jacob Fortune-Lloyd as Brian, but Jay Leno as Ed Sullivan was a terrible choice. I thought the actors playing The Beatles were OK , except John Lennon was way too short. It was off putting.

I think most people who will watch this film would be aware of The Beatles, so their story didn't have to be told. It was Brian Epsein's story, and I don't believe his story was told. I have been waiting years for someone to make decent biopic about Brian Epstein, and I guess I'll have to keep waiting.

My Review - Midas Man In Cinemas now My Rating 8/10

It's been a little while since any movie showing at the Cinema has caught my attention enough to make the effort of going to see it on the big screen.

Midas Man certainly was worth the effort I found it entertaining surprisingly moving and so well written, directed and acted .

This story depicts the early meteoric rise to fame of the Beatles known as the Fab Four from Liverpool with an emphasis on Brian Epstein their first Manager who saw something in this now legendary group of musicians that no one else could see .

If Brian Epstein had not managed ,groomed and promoted The Beatles they probably would have gone unnoticed .

Epstein not only introduced the Beatles to the world as well as Cilla Black , Gerry and the Pacemakers and many more performers. Epstein also helped put their U. K. hometown Liverpool on the World map by introducing The Mersey Sound which heralded in the 1960's that influenced changing musical tastes and fashion forever.

Unlike Elvis Presley's manipulative manager Colonel Tom Parker Brian Epstein kept his promise to John Lennon when he said if I manage this group you won't find anyone else in the business who would devote more time or effort to make the Beatles the most famous band on earth.

Brian Epstein is played so well by Jacob Fortune -Lloyd a fine actor who manages to capture the emotional turmoil that plagued Brian Epstein who had to hide his homosexuality at a time when gay men lived daily with the prospect of imprisonment and blackmail .

His public professional persona was of a successful eventually very wealthy promoter and entrepreneur but his private life was at times chaotic and dangerous eventually leading to his premature death at only 32 years old .

This is a very interesting movie I enjoyed the theatrical technique of breaking the fourth wall when Epstein occasionally talks to the audience it's very effective in this instance.

I also enjoyed the performances of the supporting cast that includes Emily Watson who plays Malka Epstein ,Brian's protective and supportive mother and Eddie Marsan as Harry the father that Brian Epstein longed for approval and acceptance but never really received.

Jonah Lees is very impressive as John Lennon he has some great scenes as does Darci Shaw as Cilla Black and Blake Richardson as Paul McCartney.

Congratulations to Director Joe Stephenson and writers Brigit Grant and Jonathan Wakeham on creating such an interesting and entertaining movie .

The timeframe of this movie takes place over only six years from Brian Epstein first discovering the Beatles in 1961 minus Ringo in the famous Cavern Club in Liverpool to the groundbreaking Beatles " Our World " first live Satellite performance on June 25th 1967 which reached over 400 million viewers across 25 countries.

Six months later Brian Epstein tragically was found dead but he certainly did keep his promise and loyalty to The Beatles who by then had eclipsed Elvis Presley's fame and their legacy stands today with a song book of hits that have been performed by every great singing artist from a time when music and lyrics came first and live performers performed without gimmicks cgi or lip syncing.

I'll be interested in seeing the upcoming Sam Mendes Beatles biopic which apparently has the rights to use more of the Beatles music than Midas Man was able to feature but as the emphasis is on Brian Epstein the man it doesn't matter.

Really enjoyed this telling of Brian Epstein's life and his pivotal role in The Beatles becoming huge.

Jacob Fortune-Lloyd is an engaging Brian. His belief in the boys and need for the world to see them really comes across.

Aside from learning about Epstein's influence, the film does a great job of showing his struggle between public image and private self without being too 'sensational' which can be annoying with biopics.

Some might see that as playing it a bit safe but I thought it struck a nice balance.

The film is stylish, the casting of The Beatles works well (Lennon is short though!) and the fourth wall breaking moments are fun.

Shame there wasn't any really recognisable songs, probably hard to get, but the early Beatles songs they used fit well.

I've been a Brian Epstein fan for as long as I've been a Beatles fan so I was in part dreading this movie as much as I was looking forward to it . What I would say to anyone who is thinking of watching is give it a go. Not a perfect film by a long chalk, but they've managed to capture authenticity in abundance. JFL absolutely nails the lead role, he's genuinely a star in the making but the supporting roles seem really well thought out too. I had heard ( being a super fan) that there was trouble with the production, you'd never guess. I'd have liked a five hour tv series with the same production values as this film, that would have done Brian justice but as a film and a one off it's more than decent.

I know people who were there and I absolutely can't wait for them to see this on the big screen hopefully, although as I understand atm in the UK it's going straight to Amazon? That's a shame, I was lucky enough to see it on the big screen and maybe I'm biased but it's one of the most enjoyable films I've seen in months. The one thing no one can disagree with is Brian was loved and he should ge remembered as such. A bonafide legend. Go and watch this, download it or buy the dvd ( are they still a thing?) .