Brian Wilson: I Just Wasn't Made for These Times

Through candid celebrity and family interviews - This 70-minute presentation (from 1995) takes an in-depth look at the ups and downs in the turbulent life of (who else? but) Brian Wilson (53 at the time) who (though he was clearly the chief driving force behind the sound and the success of The Beach Boys) was quite obviously a very troubled and unhappy man.

I missed the Beach Boys when they hit big the first time around, but was introduced to the double LP, 'Endless Summer' that recharged their careers. Now they've gone through however many different incarnations, and Brian Wilson has been tabloid fodder many times over the past 10 years or so.

Famed music-producer Don Was decided it was his honor to pay tribute to a man who, indeed, was a musical genius, a man who's artistry influenced so, so many, both in the music business, and beyond.

In different ways, Keith Richards, through 'Hail, Hail, Rock and Roll' (the life of Chuck Berry), and Bruce Springsteen, with his 'Roy Orbison, A Black and White Night' made wonderful, lasting tributes to men who's musical contributions were cornerstone to a generation. After watching this film, I find Brian Wilson no less deserving.

The film is honest and fairly raw. There are many generous tributes from incredible stars, as well as recounts from family and friends. The framework is Wilson himself, telling his story, and this, of course is many times difficult to watch just due to the deterioration Wilson has experienced over his life. He seems lucid, and his memory is strong, but he struggles with speech and his focus is not real sharp at times.

It's a wonderful tribute, lovingly crafted. Music buffs and documentary hounds should lap this one up.

I don't think a better story of Brian Wilson can be told on a video (Brian might disagree but ....). This is just a great biography of Brian Wilson as himself and a musician. If Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington are American Bach and Handel, Brian Wilson is the Beethoven, and we're fortunate that we live in an age of video recording that his personal opinion can be seen and heard by everyone. His creative talent is obvious when we listen to his music, but it's even more so when you watch this video. He is generous at given other people like Phil Specter and the Beatles credit for influencing his music, but even so his contributions are unmistakable. Family members and friends adds to the comment about their relationship with Brian which sheds light on his time and life as a Beach Boy. A must see if you're a music fan and fan of Brian Wilson's music.

An amazing film which shows how strong Brian Wilson really is if he can survive all that he went through and come out the other side and be the performer that he is today.His music will still be talked about in 50 years time,the music that a generation grew up to and the music that's making a new generation of fans realise that there's more to music than image and miming.He has quite rightly earned his place among the few artists who deserve to be called a genius. A film that is a must for any Brian Wilson/Beach Boys fan.