Beautiful Dreamer: Brian Wilson and the Story of Smile(2004)
Plus: Brian Wilson Presents Smile Live!
This film tells (using modern day interviews and archival footage and sound tapes) the story of how in 1967, while his band The Beach Boys triumphantly toured abroad, Brian Wilson was trying to push the boundaries of conventional pop music with a new follow-up to the Beach Boys' cutting-edge mega-hit, Pet Sounds. The new album was to be called "SMiLE". SMiLE pushed the envelope both musically and lyrically, and was supposed to out-do the Beatles' Sgt. Pepper record. But Brian wasn't able to sell the project to his band-mates when they returned. The project was shelved and Wilson's well-documented decline into depression, drug abuse, recluseness, and obesity had begun. Thirty-odd years later, Wilson announced that in 2004, SMiLE would be performed live in its entirety in London. This film tells the story of a damaged but healing artist bringing his greatest work to light.
Movie: Beautiful Dreamer: Brian Wilson and the Story of Smile
Top 10 Billed Cast
Self
Self
Self
Self
Self
Self
HomePage
Overview
This film tells (using modern day interviews and archival footage and sound tapes) the story of how in 1967, while his band The Beach Boys triumphantly toured abroad, Brian Wilson was trying to push the boundaries of conventional pop music with a new follow-up to the Beach Boys' cutting-edge mega-hit, Pet Sounds. The new album was to be called "SMiLE". SMiLE pushed the envelope both musically and lyrically, and was supposed to out-do the Beatles' Sgt. Pepper record. But Brian wasn't able to sell the project to his band-mates when they returned. The project was shelved and Wilson's well-documented decline into depression, drug abuse, recluseness, and obesity had begun. Thirty-odd years later, Wilson announced that in 2004, SMiLE would be performed live in its entirety in London. This film tells the story of a damaged but healing artist bringing his greatest work to light.
Release Date
2004-10-05
Average
7
Rating:
3.5 startsTagline
Plus: Brian Wilson Presents Smile Live!
Genres
Languages:
Keywords
Recommendations Movies
Elton John: Never Too Late(en)
Sir Elton John looks back on his life and the astonishing early days of his 50-year career in this emotionally charged, full-circle journey. As he prepares for his final concert in North America at Dodger Stadium, Elton takes us back in time and recounts his struggles with adversity, abuse, and addiction, and how he overcame them to become the icon he is today.
Who Is Harry Nilsson (And Why Is Everybody Talkin' About Him?)(en)
The life and work of the enigmatic singer-songwriter Harry Nilsson.
The Greatest Night in Pop(en)
On a January night in 1985, music's biggest stars gathered to record "We Are the World." This documentary goes behind the scenes of the historic event.
Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me(en)
After years in the limelight, Selena Gomez achieves unimaginable stardom. But just as she reaches a new peak, an unexpected turn pulls her into darkness. This uniquely raw and intimate documentary spans her six-year journey into a new light.
Metallica: Some Kind of Monster(en)
After bassist Jason Newsted quits the band in 2001, heavy metal superstars Metallica realize that they need an intervention. In this revealing documentary, filmmakers follow the three rock stars as they hire a group therapist and grapple with 20 years of repressed anger and aggression. Between searching for a replacement bass player, creating a new album and confronting their personal demons, the band learns to open up in ways they never thought possible.
Halftime(en)
Global superstar Jennifer Lopez reflects on her multifaceted career and the pressure of life in the spotlight in this intimate documentary.
The Devil and Daniel Johnston(en)
This 2005 documentary film chronicles the life of Daniel Johnston, a manic-depressive genius singer/songwriter/artist, from childhood up to the present, with an emphasis on his mental illness and how it manifested itself in demonic self-obsession.
Britney vs. Spears(en)
Journalist Jenny Eliscu and filmmaker Erin Lee Carr investigate Britney Spears' fight for freedom by way of exclusive interviews and confidential evidence.
The Sound of 007(en)
Pull back the curtain on the remarkable history of six decades of James Bond music, from Sean Connery’s Dr No through to Daniel Craig’s final outing in No Time to Die.
Adele One Night Only(en)
A primetime special with performances from the superstar including Adele’s first new material in six years plus her chart-topping hits. The special will also feature an exclusive interview with Adele by Oprah Winfrey from her rose garden, in Adele’s first televised wide-ranging conversation.
Dig!(en)
A documentary on the once promising American rock bands The Brian Jonestown Massacre and The Dandy Warhols. The friendship between respective founders, Anton Newcombe and Courtney Taylor, escalated into bitter rivalry as the Dandy Warhols garnered major international success while the Brian Jonestown Massacre imploded in a haze of drugs.
Thriller 40(en)
Forty years after the release of Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller,’ the best-selling album of all-time, director Nelson George takes fans back in time to the making of a pop masterpiece, featuring never-before-seen footage and candid interviews.
Mystify: Michael Hutchence(en)
Michael Hutchence was flying high as the lead singer of the legendary rock band INXS until his untimely death in 1997. Richard Lowenstein’s documentary examines Hutchence’s deeply felt life through his many loves and demons.
Matangi / Maya / M.I.A.(en)
Drawn from a never before seen cache of personal footage spanning decades, this is an intimate portrait of the Sri Lankan artist and musician who continues to shatter conventions.
Chasing Happiness(en)
From humble roots as pastor's sons in New Jersey, through their meteoric rise to fame, the Jonas Brothers' bond was unshakeable-until a surprising and painful breakup led Joe, Kevin and Nick down very different paths. With deeply personal interviews, previously unreleased footage and exclusive music, this is the Jonas Brothers as never seen before.
ZZ Top - That Little Ol' Band from Texas(en)
The story of how three oddball teenage bluesmen became one of the biggest, most beloved bands on the planet.
Return of the King: The Fall and Rise of Elvis Presley(en)
He had one chance to show the world he was still the King of Rock 'n' Roll. Discover the story behind Elvis Presley's triumphant '68 comeback special.
Miss Americana(en)
A raw and emotionally revealing look at one of the most iconic artists of our time during a transformational period in her life as she learns to embrace her role not only as a songwriter and performer, but as a woman harnessing the full power of her voice.
Similar Movies
They Might Be Giants: Here Comes Science(en)
Here Comes Science is a 2009 children's album from Brooklyn-based band They Might Be Giants, packaged as a CD/DVD set. The album is (as the title suggests) science-themed, and is the third in their line of educational albums, following 2005's Here Come the ABCs and 2008's Here Come the 123s. It is the band's 14th studio album and fourth children's album. It was nominated for the "Best Musical Album For Children" Grammy.
Standing in the Shadows of Motown(en)
In 1959, Berry Gordy Jr. gathered the best musicians from Detroit's thriving jazz and blues scene to begin cutting songs for his new record company. Over a fourteen year period they were the heartbeat on every hit from Motown's Detroit era. By the end of their phenomenal run, this unheralded group of musicians had played on more number ones hits than the Beach Boys, the Rolling Stones, Elvis and the Beatles combined - which makes them the greatest hit machine in the history of popular music. They called themselves the Funk Brothers. Forty-one years after they played their first note on a Motown record and three decades since they were all together, the Funk Brothers reunited back in Detroit to play their music and tell their unforgettable story, with the help of archival footage, still photos, narration, interviews, re-creation scenes, 20 Motown master tracks, and twelve new live performances of Motown classics with the Brothers backing up contemporary performers.
Camilo sinfónico: vivir así(es)
An account of the successful life and work of Spanish singer and actor Camilo Sesto (1946-2019), the portentous, almost miraculous, voice of Spanish pop music for decades, through his own point of view, told during his last interview and in many others, and through the words of those creators whose own work has been strongly influenced both by his art and his magnetic personality.
De-Lovely(en)
From Paris to Venice to Broadway to Hollywood, the lives of Cole Porter and his wife, Linda Lee Thomas were never less than glamorous and wildly unconventional. And though Cole's thirst for life strained their marriage, Linda never stopped being his muse, inspiring some of the greatest songs of the twentieth century.
IU CONCERT : The Golden Hour(ko)
Experience IU’s first ever global cinema release, as the first Korean female singer to perform at the iconic Olympic Main Stadium in Seoul, the largest stadium in South Korea and the dream venue for music artists. Starting with a thrilling acapella opening, the setlist is filled with beloved songs from across IU’s career. From the floating strawberry moon balloon, to fireworks and a stunning drone show, the enchanting stage production is a must-see in cinemas. Embrace the happiness of the unforgettable 'Golden Hour' through IU’s legendary performances and a fully-charged live show.
What's Love Got to Do with It(en)
Singer Tina Turner rises to stardom while mustering the courage to break free from her abusive husband Ike.
Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story(en)
Following a childhood tragedy, Dewey Cox follows a long and winding road to music stardom. Dewey perseveres through changing musical styles, an addiction to nearly every drug known and bouts of uncontrollable rage.
On the Sly: In Search of the Family Stone(en)
One man's search for the prolific funk legend, Sly Stone.
Galicia caníbal(es)
The documentary tells how, during the 1980s, a cultural phenomenon emerged and developed in Galicia that would eventually become known as the Movida Gallega.
UH Live Streaming 20 Dai wa Ike Ike!(ja)
Footage of the online event (talk session and studio mini gig) celebrating Hikaru Utada's 20th birthday on January 19, 2003.
Better Man(en)
Follow Robbie Williams' journey from childhood, to being the youngest member of chart-topping boyband Take That, through to his unparalleled achievements as a record-breaking solo artist – all the while confronting the challenges that stratospheric fame and success can bring.
The Singing Priest(en)
In 2015, Roman Catholic priest Rob Galea joined the Australian version of The X Factor but, due to his holy duties, had to withdraw. But this didn't stop him from becoming a widely beloved contemporary Christian singer-songwriter.
Land of Dreams - Randy Newman's America(en)
A portrait of Randy Newman, the American singer-songwriter, arranger and composer known for his Southern-affected singing style, early Americana-influenced songs (often with mordant or satirical lyrics), and various film scores. He has been a professional songwriter since he was 17. He cites Ray Charles as his greatest influence growing up, stating, "I loved Charles' music to excess.
Odysseus: Odysseus(nl)
In this graduation film and modern interpretation of the famous epic, Odysseus relates how he, after winning the Trojan War, resolutely returns to his home in Ithaca. A story about psychedelic lotus flowers, introverted one-eyed giants, sexy Sirens and queer witches. About sea, wind, and carnivorous drag queens. And about letting go.Based on a Spotify playlist full of pop music by contemporary celebrated artists, including Frank Ocean, Caroline Polachek, Charli XCX, Rosalía, Nicolás Jaar and James Blake.
Interstella 5555: The 5tory of the 5ecret 5tar 5ystem(en)
Four talented alien musicians are kidnapped by a record producer who disguises them as humans. Shep, a space pilot in love with bass player Stella, follows them to Earth. Reprogrammed to forget their real identities and renamed The Crescendolls, the group quickly becomes a huge success playing soulless corporate pop. At a concert, Shep manages to free all the musicians except Stella, and the band sets out to rediscover who they really are — and to rescue Stella.
Afghanistan Dream Book(ru)
Story of psychological pressure which former Soviet Afghan soldiers have to deal with in peaceful life. Through the story of Ruslan we are shown how public indifference often leads to drug usage.
Philip K Dick: A Day in the Afterlife(en)
A poetic look at the life and legacy of legendary author Philip K. Dick (1928-1982), who wrote over a hundred short stories and 44 novels of mind-bending sci-fi, exploring themes of authority, drugs, theology, mental illness and much more.
Mustache Funk(uk)
The early 70s is a golden epoch of our popular music. Hundreds of songs of exquisite beauty. Groundbreaking sound. Futuristic suits. How and whence could all of this emerge in a Soviet socialist republic? How did a brand new music scene, original in sound and philosophy in every way, and at the same time absolutely in sync with global music trends come forth? They weren't that fond of the Soviet label «VIA». And since neither of us is fond of this acronym, let us rechristen this music.
Mighty Good: The Beatles(en)
No musical group has had as profound an impact on pop music as The Beatles. Tony Palmer's groundbreaking documentary gives us an intimate look at one of the most influential groups in musical history.
Door To Forever: Bruce Hornsby's Lifelong Pursuit of the Unattainable(en)
This Bruce Hornsby documentary charts Bruce's life and career - his early years in Virginia and L.A. through The Way It Is, the Range, the Grateful Dead to the Noisemakers and the present day.