UK

Synopsis

Imagine John Lennon's childhood... Liverpool 1955: a smart and troubled fifteen year-old is hungry for experience. In a family full of secrets, two incredible women clash over John. Mimi, the buttoned-up Aunt who raised him, and Julia, the prodigal mother. Yearning for a normal family, John escapes into the new and exciting world of rock n' roll where his fledgling genius finds a kindred spirit in the teenage Paul McCartney. Just as John begins his new life, tragedy strikes. But a resilient young man finds his voice - and an icon explodes into the world

Director's Statement

This film is the never before told story of the early life of one of the twentieth century's greatest artists. It is a very individual true story, punctuated by great joy and great tragedy, but at Its heart it's also the story of a boy's triumph over huge challenges to become someone whose legacy resonates throughout history. It is a true Coming of Age film that audiences will be able to identify with everywhere. Nowhere Boy is about how two very different women separately and together created the genius of John Lennon. Mimi - John's Aunt - and Julia - his mother -were women that tore at the very heart of him, both attempting to do the right thing with devastating consequences. Julia taught John to play the banjo and guitar and introduced him to Elvis, rock and roll and the excitement of danger. Mimi encouraged his artistic talent and kept him away from danger by brining him up in a carefully managed environment that was safe but cold. It was their separate influences that provided the passion and the torment, the boundaries and the freedom, the chaos and the principles, which together Inspired the man and the music, the myths and the motivations that we now take for granted as the enigma of Lennon.
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Cast & Crew

Directed by: Sam Taylor-Wood

Written by: Matt Greenhalgh

Produced by: Robert Bernstein, Douglas Rae, Kevin Loader

Cinematography: Seamus McGarvey

Editing: Lisa Gunning

Production Design: Alice Normington

Cast: David Threlfall, Kristin Scott Thomas, Anne-Marie Duff, Aaron Johnson

Nominations and Awards

  • Feature Film Selection 2010