Movie #65- "Nowhere Boy" (2009)

When I was in school, you were either a Beatles fan or a Stones fan.  I gravitated toward the Beatles becoming a Stones fan later in life, discovering you can like both.  I don't remember if it was based solely on the music and if the personalities of the band members played a part.  Of the quartet, John had the most intriguing qualities.  He was a complex individual, a man of deep thought with a dark streak.  A talented songwriter who could also be his own worst enemy.
"Nowhere Boy" covers the adolescent years of John Lennon.  This is when John begins his musical exploration and the success of the Beatles still a few years away.  The opening chords of "A Hard Day's Night" ring out at the start, yet most of the soundtrack contains pre-Beatles material (there is a John Lennon song used in the closing credits).  The main focus here is the relationship John had with his mother Julia, and his aunt Mimi.  Both woman were contrasting spirits.  Mimi was stoic, strict, and straight-laced while Julia had a carefree attitude and embraced rock and roll.  It's touching to see the effect these two women had on John's personality and his musical career.
That isn't the only relationship followed as "Nowhere Boy" examines the beginning of the Quarrymen along with Paul and George's entrance into the band.  The film doesn't always paint John in the kindest manner, occasionally exhibiting some dickish behavior into the mix.
Movies about rock and roll figures tend to be loud and over-the-top, yet this one takes a quieter, low-key approach.  Aaron Johnson is quite good as the young Lennon, trying to shed some light on the complex musician.

Rating: 7/10
Movies I've previously seen: 5
First time viewings: 60