User reviews

This film is really something of a curate's egg, good in parts. In contrast to other reviewers, I found that the main fault with it is its inability to draw in the viewer's interest in the characters and the plot. I sat through it because I'm interested in rock'n'roll and the dynamics of bands, but if I were to evaluate it purely on the basis of its merit as a movie, I would have to give it the thumbs down, with a few caveats: Jason Behr is good in the part of John Livien, and quite convincing as a rock singer; the narrative regarding his childhood trauma is unclear, although we are given hints in Livien's well-acted relationship to his parents, but his behaviour is ultimately bizarre to the viewer (which it shouldn't be). Nevertheless the idea of using a stage persona to solve inner conflicts is interesting, albeit not novel nor fully explored as a theme in this film. The allusions to John Lennon were irritating, but I confess I'm not a Beatles fan. At any rate, Livien and his band reminded me more of Oasis than the Beatles, in the sense that there was something derivative about them. Another frustrating thing about the movie was the way it opened up with some interesting - albeit middlebrow and high-school level - philosophical musings of the lead character, but left the threads of his thinking there, only to pick them up again in the middle of the film very briefly, when Livien says, "before God, there was music" (ever seen that ad for Tia Maria in the 1990s, "Before time, there was Tia Maria"? That's what sprung to mind anyway); it seems an idiotic conclusion, and the viewer has no idea how he reached it, but he's entitled to it. Fortunately his bassist and friend, played ably by Dominic Monaghan, seems to acknowledge the fallacy of this thinking when he responds "You don't know that".

In all, the limited strengths of the direction and the plot could go either way on future projects, into pointless banality or into an interesting and more mature perspective.

This is one of the worst movies I've ever seen. I saw it at the premiere at SXSW and was extremely disappointed. The director knew little about John Lennon and even said as much at the premiere. This is a drama, but people were laughing throughout at how cheesy the film was. That's never a good sign. The only saving graces were Dominic Monaghan and Jason Leonard as Livien's roommates/bandmates. They were funny while the rest of the movie took itself waaay too seriously. The cheesy dropping of Beatles lyrics was just absurd. The soundtrack was excellent, however, and was probably the best part of the movie. Unless you're one of those crazy, rabid Dominic Monaghan fans, don't bother with this one.

Shooting Livien a great beautiful Rock Drama by Rebecca Cook. This was excellent filmed in a sort of POV from John Livien's (Jason Behr) vision. John Livien plays in a band with two of his friends Owen(Dominique Monaghan) and Robby(Joshua Leonard) and are trying to make it in the music business. Along the way you will get a look in Livien's mind, and experience his fears, his past and his drug addiction, that lead up to his craziness and dysfunctional life.

The music that goes with this movie is outstanding and was done by Fionn Ó Lochlainn. It fits the movie and the lyrics give also a clear view how dark Livien's mind is.

One of the items in the "Special Features" on the DVD is Behind the Scenes. Filmed and produced by Scott Eathorne. It was very well done, and it also includes some scenes that weren't used in the original movie.

I loved it and can recommend it very highly if you want to buy the DVD.

Sandra

This is a really well made movie. I went to the premiere last night and stayed for the talk back with the director and cast, and i was extremely impressed. The acting, directing, cinematography, script, lighting, everything was so detailed and precise and beautiful. I am a huge John Lennon and Beatles fan, so that was an added bonus for me, and the references and paralleled story lines were incorporated really nicely into the script. Not to mention, a great soundtrack that plays a big role in the movie. Rebecca Cook chose some very unique camera choices, that sets this movie apart from so many others from the start. The feel of the movie i would relate to movies like Requiem for a Dream, Basquiat, White Oleander, and possibly even a pessimistic version of Garden State. I highly recommend this movie to anyone who likes narrative features or any/all of the movies i mentioned above

I saw this movie in Philly on Saturday, April 16, and it was absolutely amazing. It was a very dark movie and it was unlike any other movie I have ever seen. I really liked the camera effects that the director used as well. It made it seem more like a documentary and it made you feel as if you were right there with the characters. The music was awesome too. I can't get the songs out of my head! :o) I loved that the actors were all actually playing their instruments. The whole cast was amazing (especially Jason). I'm going to Boston in September to see it again. I really hope a national distributor picks it up and that it comes out in theaters soon. It was so amazing, I can't wait for it to come out on DVD. It's my new favorite movie. It was so great...i absolutely LOVED it!

I saw Shooting Livien at the Philly film festival. I'm not going to go into detail cause I'm hoping it'll be shown in more venues, so that more people can enjoy this movie.

I love the Beatleness of the movie and the songs in the film will definitely be playing in your head after the movie is through.

The filming is gorgeous and I love how Rebecca show's two perspective's. One...John Livien's drug dazed POV and that of everyone else.

I love the friendship between John Livien (Jason Behr) and Owen (Dominic Monaghan)

I'm afraid to say more, because I'll get involved and spoil everything...So If Shooting Livien comes to your town...Support this movie.

Carolyn

I bought my DVD because i like Jason Behr and want to follow his career. I read the previous comment and found it interesting so...after seeing it...this is mine: It's a different movie. You must stay tuned from the first second until the last one so you don't miss any important fact.

You'll also enjoy it if you're the kind of person that likes very different movies, the type that you have to get into the character mind and try to think like him. If you're looking for a romantic, normal, and relaxing movie; this is not the one. It's a complete different plot, far away form Roswell or Dawson's Creek, you will see a very grown up J.B. in a very different roll...so don't be mistaken if you're hopping to see anything like that.

My advise to you?, see it and get your own conclusions...but don't miss it.

Rebecca Cook does a wonderful job with this movie. First, I am not a Beatles fan, and even after seeing this movie I am still not. However, her direction, the locations, lighting music and especially the job of lead actor Jason Behr(Roswell, The Grudge, Happily Even After) sucks you into the narrative based movie like I haven't been engrossed in a movie in quite a while. Sarah Wynter(24) and Dominic Monaghan (Lord of the Rings Trilogy, Lost) both turn in great performances as well, but Behr steals the show. Along with Cook's directing, the soundtrack and the New York Set, I hope this film gets the recognition it deserves. Kudos to Velveteen films.