Nowhere Boy

Nowhere Boy, the directorial debut of conceptual artist Sam Taylor-Wood about the teenage years of John Lennon, already caused quite a stir at last year’s London Film Festival and it’s easy to see why.

With great attention to detail and a real feel for the time it’s set in (Liverpool in 1955), the film brilliantly portrays the early years of John Lennon (a revelation: Aaron Johnson) and his involvement in music – from first band The Quarrymen to early friendship days with Paul McCartney and George Harrison and ending with the departure to Hamburg with the fellow Beatles. That’s the plot in a nutshell.

In detail, there is of course more to the film’s story, like the conflict between rebellious 15-year-old John and his way strict and conservative aunt Mimi (excellent: Kristin Scott Thomas) with whom he lives and who tries to install bourgeois values into him. A rather drab colour palette that reflects a drab suburban life emphasizes this constant conflict and the generally repressive atmosphere. Things become a little more colourful, however, when John’s estranged mother Julia (superb: Anne Marie Duff), who had abandoned him as a little boy, bounces back into his life after the death of his uncle George. The outgoing Julia makes up for lost time by introducing her son to the delights of rock n’ roll and all that comes with it (well, all that came with it at the time) and nurtures his musical ambitions.

It’s after Julia dies in a car crash that John realises the only road to independence is not only by leaving his aunt and Liverpool, but to leave England and embark on a trip to Germany with Paul and George. It is here where the film ends and the legend of The Beatles begins.

Nowhere Boy features surprisingly little music for a film that is about the early years of a future Beatle, while visually, Aaron Johnson – although without doubt throwing a bravura performance –resembles more a cross between Elvis and Buddy Holly. It is more a film about a teenager discovering himself, discovering rock n’ roll and teaching himself how to play the guitar, rather than a music film. Whichever way you look at it, it’s an absolute gem – and not just for any Beatles fan. You’re well advised to get the DVD – either for your own viewing pleasure or for sharing with friends. There are some interesting Extras included, too, which makes the purchase even more worthwhile.