Nowhere Boy (2009)

A chronicle of John Lennon's first years, focused mainly in his adolescence and his relationship with his stern aunt Mimi, who raised him, and his absentee mother Julia, who re-entered his life at a crucial moment in his young life.

Director:

Sam Taylor-Johnson (as Sam Taylor-Wood)

Writer:

Matt Greenhalgh (screenplay)

Stars:

Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Kristin Scott Thomas, Anne-Marie Duff

Nominated for 3 BAFTA Film Awards. Another 6 wins & 18 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Aaron Taylor-Johnson	...	John (as Aaron Johnson)
Kristin Scott Thomas	...	Mimi
David Threlfall	...	Uncle George
Josh Bolt	...	Pete
Ophelia Lovibond	...	Marie
Kerrie Hayes	...	Marie's Friend
Angela Walsh	...	Schoolmistress
Paul Ritter	...	Popjoy
Richard Syms	...	Reverend
Anne-Marie Duff	...	Julia
James Johnson	...	Stan
Alex Ambrose	...	Young John
Angelica Jopling	...	Julia - aged 8
Abby Greenhalgh	...	Jackie - aged 6
David Morrissey	...	Bobby

Storyline

The story of John Lennon's childhood and teenage years from 1944 to 1960, his relationship with his aunt Mimi and his mother Julia -the two dominant women in the first part of his life-, his first meeting with Paul McCartney and George Harrison, their friendship, their love for music and the birth of The Beatles.

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Plot Keywords:

paul mccartney character | john lennon character | george harrison character | jukebox musical | knocking on a door | 

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Taglines:

The Extraordinary Untold Story Of John Lennon.

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Genres:

Biography | Drama | Music | Romance

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for language and a scene of sexuality

Details

Official Sites:

Official site Official site [France]

Country:

UK Canada

Language:

English

Release Date:

15 October 2010 (USA)

Also Known As:

Mi nombre es John Lennon

Filming Locations:

Blackpool, Lancashire, England, UK

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

£148,157 (United Kingdom), 27 December 2009, Limited Release

Opening Weekend USA:

$52,749, 10 October 2010, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$1,445,366, 5 December 2010

Company Credits

Production Co:

Ecosse Films, Film4, UK Film Council

Technical Specs

Runtime:

98 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Although the film is about John Lennon, best known for being the founding member of The Beatles, the film doesn't mention the bands name throughout the whole film.

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Goofs

A Pono ukulele is shown in the music shop, a brand that didn't exist until the 1980s.

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Quotes

John: [shakes fist humorously at the air] Oh i'll get you back for that God!

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Connections

Referenced in Showreel: Well, That's Not Quite the End of That (2013)

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Soundtracks

Maggie May
Written by Wally Whyton
Published by Tro Essex Ltd
Performed by The Nowhere Boys

User Reviews

An interesting insight into the musical genius.

I knew very little about Lennon – a Beatle, shot dead at age 40, all round musical god to millions – before seeing Nowhere Boy. I know more about him now, but not as much as I'd hope. Matt Greenleigh's screenplay, based on Julia Baird's (Lennon's sister) memoirs, covers only a small period of the rocker's life, more specifically between the ages of 16 and 20. These were the years when Lennon met his real mother and learnt the truth about how he ended up living with his Aunt Mimi. Oh, and he also met Paul McCartney and George Harrison. However the film strongly focuses on his familial issues and leaves the formation of his band as a sidenote, which is a real shame because as an ignorant fan it would have been great to learn more about the Lennon / McCartney dynamic and how The Quarrymen-cum-Beatles grabbed the world's attention.

In her sophomore effort as director, Sam Taylor Wood brings a nice artistic edge to the proceedings although her picture isn't always as compelling as it should be. There are a handful of powerful scenes that'll get the heart pumping though; a tense, all-cards-on-the-table discussion between Lennon, Julia and Mimi is Nowhere Boy at its best. With the assistance of DP Seamus McGarvey, she manages to capture the mood and gloom of 50's London extremely well, the chilly weather a perfect excuse for kids everywhere to dress like Elvis.

Perhaps most importantly, Wood has extracted a fine performance from the 19 year old Johnson; his brash, confused Lennon is never less than convincing. Always reliable, and almost stealing the show, is Kristin Scott Thomas as the stern but devoted Aunt Mimi. She gives Mimi so much depth and unsaid emotion, it is tour de force to witness. Not quite as engaging is Thomas Sangster as McCartney and Anne-Marie Duff as Lennon's completely bizarre mother Julia.

A small, but interesting insight into the musical genius that was John Winston Lennon.

3.5 out of 5 (1 - Rubbish, 2 - Ordinary, 3 - Good, 4 - Excellent, 5 - Classic)