Brian Wilson Biopic in the Works

BY Alex HudsonPublished Jun 24, 2011

Here's a biopic that was bound to happen: the life story of Beach Boys genius Brian Wilson is being turned into a movie.

The New York Times reports that the project is being spearheaded by River Road Entertainment, the production company behind films like The Tree of Life and The Runaways (a biopic about the band of the same name). This latest feature will, according to announcement, "Take an unconventional look at Wilson's unique musical process as well as his struggles with mental illness, and how he managed to persevere as an artist with the love and support of his wife Melinda."

Certainly, Wilson's life offers no shortage of interesting filmic fodder. He's been a notoriously troubled and reclusive pop star, battling schizophrenia and drug addiction. In the early '70s, he famously spent much of his time in bed, smoking and overeating as he battled with crippling depression.

The screenplay is being written by Oren Moverman, who also penned the oddball Bob Dylan flick I'm Not There. There's no word as to the title of the new feature, or exactly when it will arrive in cinemas. The filmmakers have secured Wilson's life rights, which presumably means that they will have no problem getting permission to use his music.

We've previously heard that a biopic about Brian's brother Dennis Wilson was in the works, but there's still no word as to when or if that will be coming out.

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