The Hours and Times

You ever wondered what happened between Brian Epstein and John Lennon in Barcelona, Spain just before the Beatles made it big? Me neither.

I found this movie completely unnecessary and, if anything, it tarnishes John Lennon's name. I don't think either Brian Epstein or John Lennon were portrayed accurately, as well. Not that the filmmakers didn't try to portray them accurately, tried a little too hard in fact. This is just a case of a movie going where it really didn't need to go.

I would definitely not recommend this movie to anyone, especially Beatles fans. I don't think any real Beatles fan will appreciate this movie and the way that it portray John Lennon.

Lennon and brian epstein really did go on vacation to barcelona, back in 1963. This film is christopher munch's creation of what might have taken place on the trip. In this version of the holiday, repressed brian hits on john. But john is married, and expecting a child. We learn quite a bit about brian epstein's life, as there aren't many people he can speak with openly. It seems he really does care for john, but clearly there are obstacles. It's okay. Pretty bleak. A fifty seven minute shorty. Epstein did a great job of getting the beatles to play bigger and better venues, but at a large percentage of the profits. It's probably helpful to read up on epstein in wikipedia. Written and directed by christopher munch. Unfortunately, epstein died at 32, from an overdose of various drugs.

I back-ordered this movie because of the clearance price, not entirely sure if I was going to like it or not. The first time I saw the movie, I thought, "What the heck...?"

I watched it again, using earphones, and I was fascinated how subtle the emotions are suggested. The character development is very realistic (thankfully it wasn't all sappy and sweet). The ending was suitable--it ended where there was nothing else to say, and their relationship becomes more in itself.

Unfortunately, Ian Hart didn't do John Lennon a lot of justice... Hart's portrayal was too emotionless, when I always had the impression that Lennon actually knew WHEN to emote in conversation. David Angus is perfect in his role as Brian Epstein.

I recommend this to any Beatle fan who want something different.

This movie explores the complex relationship between John Lennon and homosexual Beatles manager Brian Epstein. In April 1963, Lennon and Epstein took a trip to Barcelona together, and what may have happened there is the subject of this finely nuanced film. Epstein struggles with his desperate, hopeless love for Lennon, and the surly, sharp-witted and cruel Lennon is torn between needling him about it and relieving his suffering. Watching them spar in conversation is fascinating. Contrary to what it might sound like, the movie is not exploitative. Instead it is a meditation on the frequently tortured friendship between these two men. Very well done!

It's basically what you would expect from it. The director must have had kept John Lennon's thought on the matter of him and Brian having that vacation together. He said that, "It was NEVER consummated. But we did have a PRETTY INTENSE RELATIONSHIP." This was carried out through the whole film, even in the famous bathroom scene. Over all I enjoyed the film for the fact that it went along with the little bits of facts and never exaggerated them. This is close to the real thing of what might have happened those couple of days.