‘Midas Man’ Review: Brian Epstein, the Manager of the Beatles, Gets a Biopic That’s TV-Movie Basic, with Some Affecting Moments

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For most individuals who grew up with the Beatles, Brian Epstein, the focus of the recent biopic “Midas Man,” is a familiar name. You might recall that he operated a renowned record store in Liverpool before witnessing the Beatles’ performance at the Cavern Club and recognizing his calling to manage them. It’s likely you know that it was Epstein who transformed the Beatles’ image, turning four rough-around-the-edges working-class rockers in black leather jackets into clean-cut, collarless gray suit-wearing musicians with iconic moptop hairstyles – a style that ignited a thousand screams. Perhaps you also remember his strategic role in the Beatles’ global career, brokering their appearance on “The Ed Sullivan Show.” Lastly, it’s worth noting that Epstein was gay, something he kept private.

If you’ve come across videos featuring Brian Epstein, you’re likely aware of the striking and intriguing aspect about him: he was a traditional British gentleman, characterized by a steady gaze, understated charisma, and a voice polished with an aristocratic elegance, honed from years at private school. In contrast to the Beatles’ rebellious and playful demeanor, Epstein maintained a conservative, businesslike image.

If you’re familiar with some aspects of Brian Epstein’s story, you might watch “Midas Man” hoping to uncover more intriguing anecdotes (which the director and screenwriters portray in a somewhat casual way that resembles a TV movie). Naturally, you’re also curious about the real Brian Epstein, the man behind the public persona, but the film only offers a superficial exploration of this aspect, reminiscent of tabloid reporting. However, there’s an element of TV-movie casualness in this portrayal as well. Even the most basic made-for-TV biopics from the ’80s often focused on the “dark side” because it was believed that this is where the drama lies.

In “Midas Man,” we catch glimpses into Epstein’s clandestine homosexual life in Liverpool, where he meets men in the dead of night at secluded spots for trysts, even confronting a mugger who threatens to expose him. The discomfort of his parents, the loving yet troubled Queenie (Emily Watson) and the sternly resentful Harry (Eddie Marsan), as they grapple with this hidden aspect of their son, is also portrayed. As the Beatles rise to fame and Epstein relocates to London, we witness his complicated relationship with an unscrupulous American actor named Tex (Ed Speleers), as well as his growing reliance on self-medication – a constant drink in hand, and a cocktail of amphetamines and barbiturates to keep him energized and then asleep. However, despite the accuracy of these depictions, they somehow feel rather…run-of-the-mill.

Jacob Fortune-Lloyd, the leading actor in the movie, is a captivating performer, particularly recognized for his role in “The Queen’s Gambit.” He skillfully portrays Brian’s sharp intellect and demonstrates how Brian’s fascination with the Beatles stemmed from their enchanting magic that he transformed into a mathematical equation – essentially, how the girls in the bustling Cavern Club audience could be elevated to a global level. He seemed to foresee it all. However, I found myself wishing Fortune-Lloyd resembled Brian more closely (he’s taller, darker, and leaner), and that he embodied more of Epstein’s almost painfully refined charm and politesse.

The movie titled “Midas Man” has faced numerous challenges during its production, with a constant change of directors and an issue that is usually encountered only in low-budget early-Beatles biopics. It appears that some investors believed the film would feature original Beatles songs; however, the producers were unable to secure the rights for these tunes. Consequently, the Beatles’ performances in the movie consist of covers such as “Please Mr. Postman” and “Money.

It’s puzzling to imagine that Apple Corps Ltd. or Sony Music Publishing would grant a license for the Beatles’ music for a small-scale independent project. After all, the acclaimed early Beatles biopic “Backbeat” from 1994 encountered the same challenge but managed to make creative use of it since the story was set in Liverpool and Hamburg. However, when “Midas Man” arrives at the point where the Beatles become famous, you’ll notice a void due to the absence of their music, as if certain scenes had been removed from the production.

As a movie enthusiast who appreciates a good Beatles tribute, I must admit that it’s usually a bit awkward to see actors portraying the Fab Four. However, in this particular production, I found the performances of Blake Richardson and Jonah Lees to be quite commendable. Richardson truly captured Paul’s charming grins, head tilts, and that cherubic determination, while Lees masterfully depicted John’s vulnerability hidden beneath his hostility (although I couldn’t help but wish they had given him a lift or two, as he seemed a bit too short for the role).

After witnessing them at the Cavern Club for the first time, I couldn’t help but exclaim, “You were simply fantastic!” This sparked a bit of ribbing about my refined demeanor, but my admiration for them was genuine. When it seemed like they were struggling to find a record label, I didn’t give up, and managed to secure an audition at Parlophone, a label known for comedy. There, they had the challenging task of impressing George Martin, portrayed by Charley Palmer Rothwell, who not only bore a striking resemblance to Martin but also masterfully embodied his intricate genius and enigmatic Mona Lisa-like scowl. This performance by Rothwell served as a reminder of what a biopic should strive for in terms of authenticity. Unfortunately, the rest of “Midas Man” didn’t quite live up to those standards. The casting of Jay Leno as Ed Sullivan was an interesting concept, but it felt somewhat off-key.

The film ‘Midas Man’ is always engaging and effectively portrays an authentic and emotional side of Brian Epstein. His unwavering dedication to the Beatles, striving to make them surpass Elvis in legend, is all-consuming, making him appear as if he’s living his dream. However, he struggles with hiding his romantic life, a secret that torments him. While he engages in relationships and doesn’t seem to carry guilt about his sexuality, the harsh intolerance of society makes it nearly impossible for him to fully connect with someone. This leads Brian to feel spiritually isolated. He has no immediate family, and yearns for one deeply. The Beatles serve as a kind of family for him, along with Cilla Black (Darci Shaw), one of his growing artists. Yet, they can’t alleviate the emptiness of loneliness. So when John, troubled by the controversy over his ‘the Beatles are bigger than Jesus’ remark in 1966, tells Brian he wants to stop touring, it feels like Brian is being pushed off the train of his own life.

As a devoted fan, I found “The Midas Man” stirred empathy for Brian, yet left me yearning for more depth. The film offered glimpses of his lavish London townhouse exterior, but failed to delve into his personal interests, such as his favorite movies or hobbies. A touch more substance beyond the straightforward scenes would have been appreciated. In the movie’s closing moments, I craved a deeper exploration of Brian’s evolving bond with the Beatles, particularly after their touring days ended. Contrary to the film’s suggestion, it seems that Brian remained essential to the Beatles even when they stopped touring.

Ultimately, the movie doesn’t fully delve into the dark aspects of Brian Epstein’s life. Tragically, Brian Epstein passed away on August 27, 1967, due to an accidental drug overdose at the age of 32, when he was arguably at the pinnacle of his success. However, a toxic mix of stimulants and depressants were found in his system, indicating a descent into self-destruction that was more gradual than swift. The film, titled “Midas Man,” could have provided closure by shedding light on this unfortunate chapter of his life, but instead, it leaves much to be desired. It’s disappointing that Brian Epstein, who was instrumental in the success of many artists, is not adequately represented in this biopic. Here’s hoping that in Sam Mendes’ upcoming Beatles films, or perhaps elsewhere, we get a more comprehensive portrayal of Brian Epstein’s behind-the-scenes genius and his complex emotional journey.

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2025-01-22 06:47