By Romey Norton - October 30, 2024
“My boys will be bigger than Elvis”- and boy, was he right! In 1960s Liverpool, Brian Epstein discovered a rock band that would take the world by storm. Midas Man explores the life of Epstein; his struggles, his successes, and being the mastermind behind the infamous band The Beatles. The film explores how he created a blueprint for music management and changed popular culture forever. The film stars Jacob Fortune-Lloyd as Epstein, with Emily Watson starring as Epstein's mother Queenie, and Eddie Marsan as his father Harry.
Through the costumes, music, and set/props the film does well in transporting you back to the 60s and I’m sure Beatles fans will be happy with the recreation of the legendary Cavern Club.
Director Joe Stephenson chooses to break the fourth wall, having Epstein address the audience, as he takes them through this story. It’s clever, not over-the-top, and this nifty trick gives the film and documentary feel; allowing audiences to feel educated and well as entertained.
The soundtrack is, of course, brilliant and I was singing along multiple times - not just to The Beatles. The film is well shot, with clever sequences that drive the narrative and length of time along.
The acting is outstanding - completely compelling and every actor does each character justice. Jacob Fortune-Lloyd plays Epstein effortlessly, portraying him as charming, determined, and not without his vulnerabilities, secrets, and struggles. While we get to see Epstein having difficult conversations, hiding his sexual exploits, and struggling with his career, I still felt that this was surface-level. There are some small references to Cilla Black, and other acts he was signing, but so much focus is on The Beatles, there’s still something missing when it comes to what made Epstein tick.
I did love how The Beatles come across as four scruffy, working-class lads who weren’t going anywhere, and Epstein, with all his sophistication and suave, swoops in and makes them the world phenomenon we still listen to and love today. Cilla’s accent could have been stronger, (you’ve got to admit it was the thickest) but that’s me being nit-picky.
As fans know, Epstein died at the young age of 32, from an accidental drug overdose while away with the band in Wales. But the film doesn’t focus on this, and there is nothing to imply he was unhappy or addicted to drugs. Instead, it is focused more on his happiness, his success, and what could have been a wonderful future. (They do acknowledge his death before the credits).
Overall, Midas Man does well in showcasing the life and talent that was Brian Epstein while simultaneously being a Beatles biopic. Midas Man could easily be made into a stage production and I hope one day it is. The film ends poetically, with a wholesome image of Brian walking across the famous crossing at Abbey Road. It’s a very touching, emotional end to a lovely film.
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