Rolling Stone writer David Wild makes a very good point in the feature-length documentary Going Home that is central to the That Lucky Old Sun DVD (January 27, Capitol/EMI). To paraphrase, he says that a lot of people who love Brian Wilson’s music love Brian the person as well, because Brian has been so open about his vulnerability and fragility. He then suggests that, in light of the powerful work that Wilson has been creating in recent years, it may be missing the point to focus on his frailties, and perhaps we should consider his extraordinary strengths. I guess that’s why Rolling Stone writers get the big money.

Questions have been raised about how hands-on Brian really is in the creation of his new music. Going Home spends a lot of time making sure we know just how involved he really is in the process. Cynics will say that the film is edited to provide an idealized portrait of the artist at work. Maybe Brian Wilson’s music is not for cynics. I know that I’m convinced that Brian’s powers as a composer, producer, and arranger remain largely intact.

For me, the best parts of the documentary are when we see Brian at work in the studio. This is a rare look at a master in his element. There is no question that he knows exactly what he wants, and how to get it. I also enjoyed the footage of old California from Brian’s early days, providing a sense of place for the emergence of his music. Going Home, directed by George Dougherty, is a fascinating look at the creation of That Lucky Old Sun and the California myth that inspired it. The fact is, as is pointed out here, that the myth was largely created by Brian Wilson’s music in the first place. (more…)