Aaron Johnson as John Lennon

Nowhere Boy Goes Somewhere…Far

Ever wonder what was behind, “Across the Universe,” “Strawberry Fields Forever,” and “Happiness Is a Warm Gun?” These classic Beatles songs wouldn’t enrich our lives today if it weren’t for the hardships that music legend John Lennon endured throughout his difficult teenage years. Thanks to director, Sam Taylor-Wood, we are able to follow 15-year-old Lennon and watch him discover his true passion, music.

It is 1955 in Liverpool, England. A young John Lennon, played by Aaron Johnson, cheerfully sits on his bed as he and his Uncle George (David Threlfall) laugh while listening to late night radio. Uncle George hands over his flask and John and he takes a swig. After more laughter, Uncle George gets up to leave and ends up collapsing. He is dead.

A clearly upset John runs to embrace his Aunt Mimi (who raised him) as the person they both loved more than anything is now no longer in their lives. An unemotional, straight-laced Mimi steps away briskly saying, “It’s just you and me now, let’s get on with it. If you’re going to do that (cry) go to your room.” This is just the beginning of John’s hardships.

After finding out that his mother lives down the street, John pays her a visit. This is where things become even more complicated. John’s mother, Julia (Anne-Marie Duff), is beyond ecstatic to see her son and welcomes him back into her life. Julia lives with her two young daughters and a man, who we assume is her boyfriend or husband. At this point I was still unsure what role Julia played because her and John's relationship seemed so strange. She would look at him almost in a flirtatious manner. When she was checking out the harmonica Uncle George gave John before he died she placed her mouth on it and gave it a few notes only to follow with a playful smile and, “My spit is your spit.” After this, they go out and have fun at what looked like a carnival of sorts. This goes on until the wee hours as the next scene captures them walking toward the camera with the sunrise emerging in the background…this didn’t help my confusion. It was only until he actually called her “mother” that I was able to put two and two together.

Mimi has no idea John has discovered his mother until John becomes suspended from school after playing hooky one day – riding on the tops of buses, hooking up with girls in the woods and showing a porn magazine to a girl on a bus. Since John loves his mother’s free-spirited personality and the fact that she encourages his love for writing and music he asked to stay with her during the day so Mimi thinks he is at school. Although it doesn’t take long for Mimi to find out, while spending time together, Julia teaches John how to play the banjo. The banjo, coupled with his newfound love for Elvis and rock and roll are the beginning of his musical journey.

Although John is having fun, his renewed relationship with Julia also causes a number of unanswered questions to come to the surface resulting in major tension between John and Mimi. John feels abandoned and hurt by the things he learns.

Whether you are familiar with John Lennon or not, this story is still intriguing. Although he doesn’t physically resemble John during his teen years, Johnson captures his confusion, hurt and anger quite well.

Much to my surprise, this film was not about the music. It had 50s music playing in the background of many scenes but no Beatles music like you may expect. This is the first feature-film from artist-turned-director, Sam Taylor-Wood. He did a remarkable job for his first time at directing. His close ups and cut away shots really helped capture the emotion. This film is rated “R” for language and an unexpected scene of sexuality.

“Nowhere Boy,” really helps audiences realize where Lennon came from. His tantrums, anger and reckless personality all had reasoning behind it. Overall, I think what was lacking in all their lives was fairly simple…all you need is love.

Bottom Line: You don’t have to be a Beatles or John Lennon fanatic to enjoy the film. If you’re hoping for a good Beatles soundtrack this is not the film for you. It was drawn out in a few places but overall, this film was enjoyable.

Jessica Aymond © October 29, 2010