Just Wasn't Made for These Times I Movie Review

The Beach Boys dominated international music charts between 1962 and 1969 as living proof that the California sun, the Pacific ocean, and non-stop “Good Vibrations” could keep five Hawthorne surfer boys frozen in time as teenagers forever. Dennis Wilson's 1983 drowning and Brian Wilson's 1991 autobiography Wouldn't It Be Nice revealed that, long before their rise and fall and resurrection, life was far from happy-go-lucky for the group. I Wasn't Made for These Times, a 70-minute documentary by filmmaker Don Was, takes a look at Brian Wilson today, with brief appearances by mother Audree, brother Carl, daughters Carnie and Wendy, and even ex-wife Marilyn. Dr. Eugene Landy, the controversial therapist whom Brian Wilson credited with saving his life, is nowhere in evidence, although Wilson refers to him somewhat dismissively just once. Despite the decision to make the film in timeless black and white, Was’ film is not even remotely nostalgic, nor is there any attempt to examine the Beach Boys’ career in scholarly fashion. This appears to be how Brian Wilson wants to be seen and remembered at the age of 52, clearly ravaged by his youthful excesses, but still eager for audience acceptance and attention as a solo artist. AKA: Brian Wilson: I Just Wasn't Made for These Times.

1994 70m/B Brian Wilson, Carnie Wilson, Wendy Wilson; D: Don Was; C: Wyatt Troll.