Directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson • 2009 • United Kingdom
Starring Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Anne-Marie Duff, Kristin Scott Thomas
Based on the memoirs of John Lennon’s half-sister Julia Baird, this revealing account of the future Beatle’s formative years vividly recreates the world of 1950s Liverpool, where the teenage John (Aaron Taylor-Johnson)—having been raised by his aunt Mimi (Kristin Scott Thomas)—reconnects with his impetuous mother, Julia (Anne-Marie Duff), who inspires his burgeoning passion for rock ’n’ roll. Fusing an intimate look at the complex family dynamics that shaped Lennon with a stirring vision of his musical awakening, NOWHERE BOY forgoes mythologizing for a deeply human portrait of the young man behind the legend.
Up Next in Rock Biopics That Don’t Suck
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24 Hour Party People
Directed by Michael Winterbottom • 2002 • United Kingdom
Starring Steve Coogan, Paddy Considine, Sean HarrisBlown away by an unknown band called the Sex Pistols, TV personality Tony Wilson (Steve Coogan) is inspired to invent a uniquely anarchic record label. Soon he’s promoting everyone from N...
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The Buddy Holly Story
Directed by Steve Rash • 1978 • United States
Starring Gary Busey, Don Stroud, Charles Martin SmithAn Oscar-nominated Gary Busey gives one of the most electrifying portrayals of a musician ever committed to the screen in this irresistible portrait of Buddy Holly, the bespectacled genius from Lu...
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Velvet Goldmine
Directed by Todd Haynes • 1998 • United Kingdom, United States
Starring Ewan McGregor, Toni Collette, Christian BaleA CITIZEN KANE for the glittering, hedonistic glam-rock explosion, Todd Haynes’s deliriously flamboyant third feature follows journalist Arthur Stuart (Christian Bale) as he launc...
