Brian Wilson: Long Promised Road

Last updated
Brian Wilson: Long Promised Road
BWLongPromisedRoad.jpg
Tribeca Film Festival poster
Directed by Brent Wilson
Produced by
  • Tim Headington
  • Theresa Steele Page
  • Brent Wilson
  • Jean Sievers
Starring Brian Wilson
Production
company
Ley Line Entertainment
Distributed byScreen Media
Universal Pictures
Release date
Running time
95 minutes

Brian Wilson: Long Promised Road is a 2021 documentary film about the Beach Boys' co-founder Brian Wilson directed by Brent Wilson (no relation). It follows Brian and Rolling Stone editor Jason Fine as they drive around Los Angeles and visit locations from Brian's past, interspersed with footage from recording sessions and comments from musical artists about his influence on the industry. The title comes from "Long Promised Road", a song written by Brian's brother Carl Wilson and former band manager Jack Rieley, which figures heavily in the film. [1]

Contents

The film was accompanied by the release of a soundtrack album consisting of previously-unreleased recordings by Wilson, several of which dated from his unfinished 1990s collaborations with producer Andy Paley, and one new song, "Right Where I Belong", that Wilson co-wrote with My Morning Jacket frontman Jim James for the film.

Long Promised Road received generally favorable reviews. Critics appreciated the camaraderie between Fine and Wilson; however, Wilson's comments were believed to be as superficial and non-revelatory as his usual latter-day interviews.

Background and content

The project was originally conceived as a straightforward documentary in which Brent interviewed Brian in a room, but this failed, as Brian was unwilling to talk in this format. It was then suggested that the interviews be conducted by Rolling Stone editor Jason Fine, who had previously written articles about Wilson [2] and had been planned to ghostwrite Wilson's second memoir, I Am Brian Wilson . [3] One of Fine's recent articles about Wilson was written from discussions the two had while driving around Los Angeles together. A similar format was adopted for the film, with over 70 hours of footage shot across three weekends. [2]

Long Promised Road also features interspersed excerpts of interviews with industry figures including Bruce Springsteen, Elton John, Jim James, Nick Jonas, Taylor Hawkins, Linda Perry, and Jakob Dylan, along with one of Wilson's Beach Boys bandmates, Al Jardine. [4] Brent commented, "I wanted just a few people, a very select group of people, and I wanted a diverse group of people. The idea being that if you’re watching the film ... and you go, ‘What in the world do these people have in common?’ And the only thing they could ever have in common is their love for Brian Wilson." [5] Archival footage, such as home movies provided by the Wilson family, are also included in the film. Brent's first cut of the film lasted two and a half hours, which was ultimately reduced to 95 minutes. [1]

After an interviewer suggested that the film possibly bordered on the exploitative, Fine responded, "All of it is done on Brian's terms and on Brian’s comfort level". [6] According to Brent, "Jason’s success was that he had never forced Brian to talk, you know, it wasn’t like, 'OK, you’ve got your 20-minute interview, you’ve got to get in and get out, you’ve got to ask your questions'. Brian was always, I think, lovingly patient with us". [2] Wilson's publicist Jean Sievers is credited as the film's co-producer, while Wilson, his wife Melinda, and Fine are credited as the film's executive producers. [7]

Reception

Long Promised Road premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in June 2021 [8] and was distributed by Screen Media in theaters and on streaming services in November. [7] On review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, Long Promised Road holds an approval rating of 92% based on 12 reviews. [9] Metacritic, which uses a weighted average, assigned the film a score of 78 out of 100 based on 6 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews". [10]

Reviewing the film for The Arts Fuse, Jason M. Rubin concluded that the clearest takeaway was that "every single day — practically every single hour — is a struggle for Brian Wilson." Acknowledging Wilson's reputation as "a notoriously bad interview", the writer goes on to say that the film succeeds due to the friendship between Fine and Wilson running deeper than "some fake industry connection ... As a result, Wilson opens up to him in a way he does with few others." [11]

In the assessment of Variety's Owen Gleiberman, "Jason Fine is the easygoing friend who inquires about stuff, fields Brian’s one-sentence answers, never pushes too hard, absorbs Brian’s thoughts and feelings with sympathetic understanding, and talks music with him. He brings Brian out — at least as much as one can." [12] The Playlist's Christian Gallichio wrote that it "may not reveal much about Wilson that isn't covered in a Wikipedia article", and does not include insights from Wilson about his "life after his overdoses. While these aspects are understandably glossed over by Wilson, the film is a bit too apt to let Wilson guide the discussions." [13]

National Review 's Kyle Smith found Long Promised Road to be inferior to previous films about Wilson – namely, the "almost definitive" I Just Wasn't Made for These Times and the Love & Mercy biopic. He bemoaned the choice of interviewees (particularly the inclusion of Nick Jonas and the omission of Wilson's family members) as well as the lack of "anything fresh to offer longtime fans", although "it does give a sense of what it might be like to hang out with Wilson today. That sense is largely... frustration." Smith added that the film would have benefited from delving further into "Wilson's crazy asides", such as his remark about the Doobie Brothers' song "What a Fool Believes" scaring "the hell" out of him, or his answer for why he was close with his brother Dennis ("Because we snorted cocaine together!"). [14]

Soundtrack

Brian Wilson: Long Promised Road (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
BWLongPromisedRoadSoundtrack.jpg
Soundtrack album by
Brian Wilson
ReleasedNovember 26, 2021 (2021-11-26)
Length39:08
Label Lakeshore
Producer Brian Wilson, Andy Paley, Jim James
Brian Wilson chronology
At My Piano
(2021)		Brian Wilson: Long Promised Road (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
(2021)

Long Promised Road features a new song by Wilson and My Morning Jacket frontman Jim James, "Right Where I Belong". Wilson's writing contributions were limited to the song's rough melodic ideas; James structured the song, added lyrics, and recorded the track largely by himself. [15] Brent stated that he had asked James to finish the tune, [15] although Fine claimed that Brian himself solicited the collaboration. [16] Brian recorded his vocal parts after recovering from back surgery. [15] "I'm Goin' Home", "It's Not Easy Being Me", "Must Be a Miracle", "Slightly American Music", and "I'm Broke" were recorded during Brian Wilson's sessions with collaborator Andy Paley. The live version of "In My Room" also features Al Jardine, who toured with Wilson from 2013 (after the collapse of the Beach Boys' reunion in September 2012) until Wilson's retirement from touring in 2022. [17]

In August 2021, Brent stated that there were tentative plans to release a soundtrack album containing never-before-released material. [1] The soundtrack was officially announced on November 23 and released by Lakeshore Records on November 26. [18]

Brian Wilson: Long Promised Road (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Right Where I Belong"Brian Wilson, Jim James 3:59
2."I'm Goin Home"B. Wilson, Andy Paley 3:45
3."It's Not Easy Being Me"B. Wilson, Paley4:32
4."Must Be a Miracle"B. Wilson, Paley3:21
5."Slightly American Music"B. Wilson, Paley3:30
6."It's O.K."B. Wilson, Mike Love 2:23
7."Rock & Roll Has Got a Hold On Me"B. Wilson3:50
8."The Night Was So Young"B. Wilson2:08
9."Honeycomb" Bob Merrill 1:55
10."Long Promised Road" Carl Wilson, Jack Rieley 4:34
11."In My Room" (live from the Ryman Auditorium)B. Wilson, Gary Usher 2:21
12."I'm Broke"B. Wilson, Paley2:45
Total length:39:08

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brian Wilson</span> American musician (born 1942)

Brian Douglas Wilson is an American musician, singer, songwriter, and record producer who co-founded the Beach Boys. Often called a genius for his novel approaches to pop composition, extraordinary musical aptitude, and mastery of recording techniques, he is widely acknowledged as one of the most innovative and significant songwriters of the 20th century. His best-known work is distinguished for its high production values, complex harmonies and orchestrations, layered vocals, and introspective or ingenuous themes. Wilson is also known for his formerly high-ranged singing and for his lifelong struggles with mental illness.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Carl Wilson</span> American musician (1946–1998)

Carl Dean Wilson was an American musician who co-founded the Beach Boys. He was their lead guitarist, the youngest sibling of bandmates Brian and Dennis, and the group's de facto leader in the early to mid-1970s. He was also the band's musical director on stage from 1965 until his death.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">California Girls</span> 1965 song by the Beach Boys

"California Girls" is a song by the American rock band the Beach Boys from their 1965 album Summer Days . Written by Brian Wilson and Mike Love, the lyrics were partly inspired by the band's experiences touring Europe for the first time, detailing an appreciation for women across the world. It was released as a single, backed with "Let Him Run Wild", and reached number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. It was also a top 10 hit in several other countries, becoming one of the band's most successful songs globally.

<i>Imagination</i> (Brian Wilson album) 1998 studio album

Imagination is the third solo album by American musician Brian Wilson. It was issued in 1998 on Giant Records and distributed by Warner Music Group. The album received mixed reviews upon its release and its commercial performance was relatively weak. Its best-known track is "Your Imagination", a Top 20 hit on adult contemporary radio. The second single, "South American", was co-written by Jimmy Buffett. Wilson dedicated the song "Lay Down Burden" to his brother Carl Wilson, who succumbed to cancer earlier in the year.

<i>Surfs Up</i> (album) 1971 studio album by the Beach Boys

Surf's Up is the 17th studio album by American rock band the Beach Boys, released on August 30, 1971 on Brother/Reprise. It received largely favorable reviews and reached number 29 on the U.S. record charts, becoming their highest-charting LP of new music in the U.S. since 1967. In the UK, Surf's Up peaked at number 15, continuing a string of top 40 records that had not abated since 1965.

<i>The Beach Boys Love You</i> 1977 studio album by the Beach Boys

The Beach Boys Love You is the 21st studio album by American rock band the Beach Boys, released April 11, 1977, on Brother/Reprise. Sometimes called the band's "punk" or "synth-pop" album, Love You is characterized for its pioneering use of synthesizers and its juxtaposition of adolescent-oriented lyrics with the adult band members' gravelly vocals.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wouldn't It Be Nice</span> 1966 single by the Beach Boys

"Wouldn't It Be Nice" is a song by the American rock band the Beach Boys and the opening track from their 1966 album Pet Sounds. Written by Brian Wilson, Tony Asher, and Mike Love, it is distinguished for its sophisticated Wall of Sound-style arrangement and refined vocal performances, and is regarded among the band's finest songs. With its juxtaposition of joyous-sounding music and melancholic lyrics, it is considered a formative work of power pop, and with respect to musical innovation, progressive pop.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Surf's Up (song)</span> Song written by Brian Wilson and Van Dyke Parks for the Beach Boys

"Surf's Up" is a song recorded by the American rock band the Beach Boys that was written by Brian Wilson and Van Dyke Parks. It was originally intended for Smile, an unfinished Beach Boys album that was scrapped in 1967. The song was later completed by Brian and Carl Wilson as the closing track of the band's 1971 album Surf's Up.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">'Til I Die</span> 1971 single by the Beach Boys

"'Til I Die" is a song by American rock band the Beach Boys from their 1971 album Surf's Up, subsequently issued as the B-side of the single "Long Promised Road". With autobiographical lyrics about death and hopelessness, it is one of the few songs in which both the words and music were written solely by Brian Wilson. An extended mix of the original recording, created by engineer Stephen Desper, was included on the 1998 Endless Harmony Soundtrack.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Deirdre (song)</span> 1971 single by the Beach Boys

"Deirdre" is a song by the American rock band the Beach Boys from their 1970 album Sunflower. Written primarily by Bruce Johnston, it is a love song named after the sister of one of his ex-girlfriends, and is one of his two main song contributions on the album, the other being "Tears in the Morning". Johnston has claimed that co-writer Brian Wilson's contributions were limited to a few lyrics, although music historians Andrew G. Doe and John Tobler wrote in 2004 that "Deirdre" had been "developed from a musical theme first used in 'We're Together Again,'" a 1968 composition credited to Brian Wilson and singer Ron Wilson.

"Feel Flows" is a song recorded by American rock band the Beach Boys from their 1971 album Surf's Up. It was written by guitarist Carl Wilson and band manager Jack Rieley, and was one of Wilson's first songs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mike Love</span> American singer and songwriter

Michael Edward Love is an American singer and songwriter who was the lead vocalist of the Beach Boys which he co-founded with his cousins Brian, Dennis, and Carl Wilson and their friend Al Jardine. Characterized by his nasal tenor and occasional bass-baritone singing, Love has been one of the band's vocalists and lyricists for their entire career, contributing to each of their studio albums and serving as their frontman for live performances. During the mid-1960s, he was one of Brian's main collaborators, contributing lyrics to hit records such as "Fun, Fun, Fun" (1964), "I Get Around" (1964), "Help Me, Rhonda" (1965), "California Girls" (1965), and "Good Vibrations" (1966).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jack Rieley</span> American DJ, record producer, and songwriter (1942–2015)

John Frank Rieley III was an American businessman, record producer, songwriter, and disc jockey who managed the Beach Boys between mid-1970 and late 1973. He is credited with guiding them back to popular acclaim and was described by New Statesman as "a radio DJ turned career mentor."

<i>Brian Wilson: I Just Wasnt Made for These Times</i> 1995 American film

Brian Wilson: I Just Wasn't Made for These Times is a 1995 biographical musical film directed by Don Was, centered on Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys. Through interviews with Brian and the Wilson family, the documentary examines the ups and downs of Wilson's life, including the early years of the Beach Boys, his years of substance abuse, and his long road to recovery. A soundtrack, I Just Wasn't Made for These Times, accompanied its release.

<i>Love & Mercy</i> (film) 2014 film by Bill Pohlad

Love & Mercy is a 2014 American biographical drama film directed by Bill Pohlad about the Beach Boys' co-founder and leader Brian Wilson and his struggles with mental illness during the 1960s and 1980s. It stars Paul Dano and John Cusack as the young and middle-aged Wilson, respectively, with Elizabeth Banks as his second wife Melinda Ledbetter and Paul Giamatti as his psychologist Dr. Eugene Landy. The title comes from Wilson's 1988 song of the same name.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I Just Wasn't Made for These Times</span> 1966 song by the Beach Boys

"I Just Wasn't Made for These Times" is a song by American rock band the Beach Boys from their 1966 album Pet Sounds. Written by Brian Wilson and Tony Asher, the lyrics describe the disillusionment of someone who struggles to fit into society. Musically, it is distinguished for its melodic bass guitar, layered vocals, and Electro-Theremin solo, marking the first time the instrument was used in popular music and the first time theremin-like sounds were used on a rock record.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Andy Paley sessions</span> Studio album (unreleased) by Brian Wilson & Andy Paley with the Beach Boys

The "Andy Paley sessions" is the unofficial name given to an unfinished recording project by American musicians Brian Wilson and Andy Paley. During the 1990s, the duo planned to record an album that would have comprised original material written and produced by themselves with participation from other members of the Beach Boys. It was the last time Brian worked with his bandmates before Carl Wilson's death in 1998.

Brent Wilson is an American documentary film director, writer and producer. He is best known for his work on the documentary films Streetlight Harmonies and Brian Wilson: Long Promised Road.

Ley Line Entertainment is an American independent film production company founded in 2018 by Theresa Steele Page and Tim Headington. The company is best known for producing films Light from Light (2019) Miss Juneteenth (2020), The Green Knight (2021) and Everything Everywhere All At Once (2022).

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Director Brent Wilson on making the documentary "Brian Wilson: Long Promised Road"". brianwilson.com. August 20, 2021. Archived from the original on August 20, 2021. Retrieved August 20, 2021.
  2. 1 2 3 Hammond, Pete (7 June 2021). "Brian Wilson Documentary 'Long Promised Road' Captures Musical Legend In Raw, Personal Way; Looks To Set U.S. Distribution Deal – Tribeca Festival". Deadline.
  3. ↑ Hann, Michael (April 15, 2013). "Beach Boys legend Brian Wilson to write autobiography". The Guardian .
  4. ↑ Martoccio, Angie (March 3, 2020). "Brian Wilson, Ronnie Wood Documentaries Headed to 2020 Tribeca Film Festival". Rolling Stone . Retrieved May 10, 2021.
  5. ↑ Erwin, Joe (June 11, 2021). "Brian Wilson details good and bad vibrations in documentary premiering at Tribeca". NY Daily News.
  6. ↑ "Brian Wilson's Survival Story Told in New Documentary 'Long Promised Road'". Billboard. June 16, 2021.{{cite magazine}}: Unknown parameter |agency= ignored (help)
  7. 1 2 "Tribeca Premiere 'Brian Wilson: Long Promised Road' Acquired by Screen Media for November Release; Oscar Campaign Planned". 27 September 2021.
  8. ↑ Rock Cellar Magazine Staff (April 27, 2021). "Beach Boys' Brian Wilson Shares Poster for 'Long Promised Road,' a New Documentary Film About His Life & Career". Rock Cellar Magazine. Retrieved May 10, 2021.
  9. ↑ "Brian Wilson: Long Promised Road". Rotten Tomatoes . Fandango Media . Retrieved November 27, 2021.
  10. ↑ "Brian Wilson: Long Promised Road (2021)". Metacritic . Fandom, Inc. Retrieved November 27, 2021.
  11. ↑ Rubin, Jason M. (June 15, 2021). "Film Review: "Brian Wilson: Long Promised Road" — Getting Close to a Legend of Pop Music". The Arts Fuse.
  12. ↑ Gielberman, Owen (June 15, 2021). "'Brian Wilson: Long Promised Road' Review: A Documentary Love Letter to a Pop Genius". Variety.
  13. ↑ Gallichio, Christian (June 16, 2021). "'Brian Wilson: Long Promised Road': A Breezy But Surface Introduction To The Beach Boys Legend [Tribeca Review]". The Playlist.
  14. ↑ Smith, Kyle (November 21, 2021). "The Rain Man of Pop". National Review .
  15. 1 2 3 Grieving, Tim (December 1, 2021). "Brian Wilson doesn't say much. Until you listen to his music". Los Angeles Times .
  16. ↑ Seymour, Corey (November 19, 2021). "A New Documentary Shows the Beach Boys' Brian Wilson as He's Never Been Seen Before". Vogue.
  17. ↑ Doe, Andrew G.; et al. "Guest Appearances". Bellagio 10452. Retrieved January 8, 2024.
  18. ↑ "Brian Wilson Announces Long Promised Road Soundtrack, Shares "Right Where I Belong" with Jim James: Stream". Yahoo. November 25, 2021.

Further reading

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.