‘Love & Mercy’, A New Biopic That Uses Two Actors to Portray the Fractured Life Story of Brian Wilson

Love & Mercy, the new Brian Wilson biopic that features Paul Dano as the younger Wilson during his time in the legendary Beach Boys and John Cusack playing the musician in his later years, opens today. The film follows the story of Wilson’s fame, his solo career, his struggles with alcohol, mental illness and drugs, and finding Melinda, the love of his life played by Elizabeth Banks. Recently Xeni Jardin of Boing Boing sat down with the three actors to talk about the film and the effect that Brian Wilson’s story had on each of them.

Love & Mercy Poster

In Studio

John Cusack as Brian Wilson

Brian Wilson

images via Love & Mercy

Lori Dorn
Lori Dorn

Lori is a Laughing Squid Contributing Editor based in New York City who has been writing blog posts for over a decade. She also enjoys making jewelry, playing guitar, taking photos and mixing craft cocktails.