Amazon.com video review:
Ian Hart's second performance as John Lennon (the first
was the little-seen The Hours
and Times) commands attention in this marvelous
musical bio of the Beatles in Hamburg directly before their stardom. The
focus is on the "5th Beatle," Stuart Sutcliffe (Stephen Dorff), a bluesy
bass guitar player who finds Germany has more interesting things (art and a woman)
than music. The woman, Astrid (Sheryl Lee), chronicles the early years of
the Beatles,
and she falls in love with Stuart, a move that would influence many aspects
of the Fab Four. Nearly overpowering the film is Hart in a great, energized
performance of an artist on fire. The music was adapted for the
movie,
rediscovering the raw sound and ballistic energy in the back street
clubs. These scenes of rock and genius intermixed with a nervy lead
singer evoke similarities to Kurt Cobain and Nirvana. Directed by Iain
Softley. --Doug Thomas
