Star-maker’s golden touch

The highs and lows of Brian Epstein’s short life are told in the movie Midas Man.

The Englishman who achieved fame as The Beatles’ manager died of an unintentional drug overdose in 1967 aged 32.

This biopic covers the period from when Epstein discovered The Beatles to just before his death.

Other acts, including Cilla Black and Jerry and the Pacemakers, benefitted from Epstein’s Midas-like touch, which he mostly learned on the job.

At that time he was working in his father’s furniture store in Liverpool developing the record retailing aspect of the business.

I really like the way the film is shot.

Every so often Epstein himself pops up and speaks directly to the audience, giving his

perspective on what is happening at the time, adding an intimacy to the movie.

Jacob Fortune-Lloyd does a great job of playing Epstein.

He manages to portray the complexities of Epstein’s character, such as his struggle with homosexuality and drug use, in an empathetic yet witty and charismatic way.

Emily Watson, as Epstein’s mother Queenie, also gives a heart-warming performance and is a foil to Epstein’s rather gruff father Harry (Eddie Marsan).

Finding actors to play the Fab Four could not have been easy but those playing the foursome do a passable job, given The Beatles were one of the most recognisable bands in the world.

I really liked this movie, which was entertaining and thought-provoking.

While it is a tragic tale, in some respects it recognises the kind of trailblazer Epstein was.

Another appealing feature of the movie for me is the hindsight it offers.

I found it fascinating watching record company boss after record company boss reject The Beatles. I wonder if in hindsight they kicked themselves?