Nowhere Boy - John Lennon’s Early Years
John Lennon’s image will never stop inspiring movie-makers imaginations. Lennon was not only one of the brightest artists in the world, but also an interesting phenomenon in music. He, together with his band mates, redefined the rules of acceptable behavior in the music world. Sam Taylor, whose 2008 short film “Love You More” was nominated for the Short Film Palme d’Or, will direct a new film about John Lennon: “Nowhere Boy.”
The new film recently received funding from the UK Film Council, which means that Beatles fans can be sure to have it in their collection very soon. There were many films and documentaries telling the story of “The Beatles’s” early years, or focusing on Lennon’s killing. This one is unique in its content. “Nowhere Boy” will cover Lennon’s childhood, which had a crucial influence on his entire life, as well as on the formation of his artistic views. The film is based on the book written by his half-sister Julia Baird - “Imagine This: Growing Up With My Brother John Lennon”.
In fact, Lennon’s childhood was a quite difficult period for him, because of a difficult relationship between his mother and his aunt and John being stuck in between. John was raised by his Aunt Mimi, who disapproved his mother’s behavior, saying she was “living in sin”. Guardian reports scriptwriter Greenhalgh’s words:
And his early life as told in Julia’s book took me into a world that illuminated so much about this legendary genius. I could see the drama and film immediately. The women in his life, the men who weren’t, the birth of rock’n'roll; all imposing on a brilliantly complicated adolescent mind.
Lennon was not only a musician, but also very active politically. His political views and ideologies were reflected in his songs. “You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one,” he sang in “Imagine”, a song which became a real symbol of peace: “I hope someday you’ll join us, and the world will live as one.”
Therefore, with all his talent and his creative mind, he was a quite complicated individual, with many complexes, which were mainly caused by his difficult childhood. In a song “Mother”, where he repeatedly cried “Mother, don’t go”, in another one “So I sing a song of love for Julia” (Julia is his mother’s name) - these are the profs how deeply he was affected by separation from his mother. From this point of view “Nowhere Boy” will be unique and very original.
Film producer Robert Bernstain said to Screen Daily, “I’m truly excited at the prospect of Sam Taylor-Wood bringing her singular artistic vision to the story. Combined with the genius of John Lennon I think that’s a very arresting and dynamic combination.”
The film is planned to be shot in Liverpool, Lennon’s hometown. His music will accompany the whole movie, giving to it all the charm and beauty of teens, where Beatles “were more famous than Jesus”.
Photo: © johnlennon.com
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