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.

I saw this one in 1994 and I was under the impression. Contrary to one of the other comments, I found Ian Hart's impersonation of Lennon strong: witty, hurting and sensitive at times. The interaction between Epstein and Lennon in a strange pre-Beatlemania atmosphere was fascinating: BEA-aircompany, Lennon going to watch some Gaudis in Barcelona (did he really know Gaudi at that time ?), Lennon picking up a girl (stewardess on the flight). It seems far from the peace loving prophet a few years later. And still, I think, much closer to the "real" John Lennon. The beautiful Bach-score (Goldberg variations by Glenn Gould) offers an impressing undertone to this portrait, which looks like a forebode of the dramatic short lives of both protagonists.

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.

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.

A very low-budget indie film - and, boy, does it show! - that is barely an hour long. A theoretical look into one of the most debatable topics in music history.

Ian Hart and David Angus really appeared to nail their roles (in some angles, Hart even resembles the real Lennon!). The conversations Lennon and Epstein had, the way they were worded, I could easily imagine in real-life. There's also scenes showing how different they are from each other -- for example, John speaks to his wife, Cynthia, on the phone in a bit of an aloof manner, contrasting to Brian's more loving conversation with his mother.

Lennon was known for the way he'd taunt Epstein for his sexuality and heritage (but, ultimately, did love him); while the film doesn't shy away from this behavior, it's also weirdly framed between the line of simple teasing and being sexually charged.

I was surprised to detect seemingly mutual sexual tension between the men -- obviously, scriptwriter-director Christopher Münch's intention.

This could also just be me, but there were some shots that reminded me of other LGBT-themed films: the two main characters looking at each other through the mirror like in Carol (2015); and the two conversing outside at a table, similarly with Elio and Oliver in Call Me by Your Name (2018).

A decent effort, although I do wish this was a little longer, if not just to answer the question, "Did they or didn't they?" I will give The Hours & Times a re-watch coming next year.