Midas Man

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.

Midas Man tackles the story of Brian Epstein, the visionary manager behind the rise of The Beatles, and delivers a focused, often insightful look at his journey from meeting the Fab Four to navigating the early waves of Beatlemania. Refreshingly, the film avoids detours into Epstein's childhood or lengthy setup, diving right into the pivotal moment when Epstein encounters the Beatles. It's exactly the timeline fans want to see, offering an experience that feels true to Epstein's impact on music history.

The performances are, for the most part, strong. Jacob Fortune-Lloyd's portrayal of Epstein is nuanced and genuine. He brings out the depth of Epstein's character-an ambitious yet vulnerable manager whose life was as complex as the band he helped shape. Fortune-Lloyd avoids any wooden stereotypes, instead delivering a believable and sensitive portrayal. However, some casting choices miss the mark visually. Jonah Lees as Lennon feels jarringly short, and while his performance captures some of Lennon's essence, the physical mismatch is hard to overlook. Similarly, Charley Palmer Rothwell as George Martin and John McCaffery as Mal Evans, though they have limited screen time, don't quite match the stature of the real figures, leaving some of the visual casting decisions a bit off.

However, Midas Man redeems itself with an outstanding performance from Blake Richardson as Paul McCartney. Richardson's portrayal captures Paul's charisma and wit in a way few actors have achieved in past Beatles films. He stands out as the highlight of the supporting cast, though fans may wish he had more screen time.

A poetic touch at the film's conclusion sees Epstein crossing Abbey Road-a nod to the famous cover of the Beatles' last album-a metaphorical and respectful close to Epstein's journey, though perhaps a bittersweet reminder of his absence from that iconic era.

There are some notable omissions that fans will feel keenly. The moment Lennon tells Epstein, "Okay then Brian, manage us," is left out-a line that marked a pivotal turning point in The Beatles' story. Its absence is a missed opportunity to capture the power of that early decision. Also absent is any exploration of Epstein's rumored fascination with Lennon, a subject of much speculation and possibly a deeper emotional undercurrent in Epstein's life. Additionally, the lack of Beatles music in the film is undeniably disappointing, though understandable given the high licensing fees. Still, a biopic on Epstein feels somewhat incomplete without the soundtrack that defined his career.

Midas Man is a well-crafted film that offers Beatles fans a fresh look at the pivotal role Brian Epstein played in the band's meteoric rise. Despite a few missed opportunities and the absence of Beatles music, the film captures the spirit of Epstein's ambition and the transformative period of the early '60s with style and sensitivity. While it may not replace the thrill of the original story, Midas Man shines as a heartfelt tribute to the "fifth Beatle" and offers an enjoyable, insightful experience that fans of the Fab Four won't want to miss.

"Midas Man" offers a compelling and often poignant look at the life of Brian Epstein, the visionary manager who steered The Beatles to global superstardom. The film shines brightest in its sensitive portrayal of Epstein's personal journey, navigating his identity and the pressures of his extraordinary role with a nuanced and empathetic touch. The narrative carefully unfolds his dedication, his vulnerabilities, and the profound impact he had on the burgeoning Merseybeat scene. The film also touches on his own inner conflict with his sexuality.

Adding to the film's charm are the performances embodying the iconic figures of the era. The mannerisms and spirit of The Beatles, while perhaps not perfect impersonations, are generally captured well, offering a nostalgic glimpse into their early days. Similarly, the portrayal of Cilla Black feels authentic, bringing her vibrant personality to the screen effectively.

However, while "Midas Man" succeeds in many areas, it's somewhat disappointing that the soundtrack largely omits the truly iconic, chart-topping hits of The Beatles. Presumably, there was some sort of copyright issue going on.

Despite this omission, "Midas Man" remains a worthwhile watch. It provides a thoughtful and engaging exploration of Brian Epstein's pivotal role in music history, highlighting his sensitivity and the weight of his responsibilities. The commendable performances and the film's overall positive tone make it a respectful and ultimately moving tribute to a man who truly possessed a 'Midas touch' for talent.

This wasn't exactly the film of the year for me, but it's a biopic that's good enough. The actors who played Brian and The Beatles are both charismatic and charming. I enjoyed the breaking of the fourth wall. But one criticism I have that is there could have been more focus on the Beatles themselves. Also, I understand there are copyright issues but I wish they used Beatles songs for the film. I would recommend this film to Beatles fans. There are better music biopics such as Rocketman and Bohemian Rhapsody, but this is a solid, well crafted film. Don't expect to be blown away by the film but it's an enjoyable watch.

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.