Few biopics focus on the people behind the talent, but “Midas Man,” does just that, reminding audiences that superstardom isn’t achieved by talent alone — someone has to recognize, nurture, and sell it.
The film tells the story of Brian Epstein, the visionary manager of The Beatles’ who propelled the band to global fame, famously pushing them to be “bigger than Elvis.” The screening made a splash as the opening feature for the New York Jewish Film Festival at Lincoln Center, a full circle moment since the premiere of the documentary “The Brian Epstein Story” premiered at the festival in 2001.
A fresh approach to a familiar story
Jewish actor Jacob Fortune-Lloyd brings Epstein to life with charm and depth, narrating his own story while frequently breaking the fourth wall. The audience first meets him as he enthusiastically describes working at his father’s furniture and record store. Confident and instinctively aware of what sells, he presents himself as a tastemaker ahead of his time.
His journey takes a fateful turn when a customer requests an album from an up-and-coming band from Liverpool. Intrigued, Brian goes to check them out and quickly has a lightbulb moment, dedicating himself to becoming their manager.
“You’ll never have anyone work as hard for you as me,” he promises a young John Lennon (Jonah Lees); Paul McCartney (Blake Richardson); George Harrison (Leo Harvey Elledge); and Pete Best (Adam Lawrence), who will soon be replaced by drummer Ringo Starr (Campbell Wallace).
True to his word, Brian invests everything in their success, securing a record deal and relentlessly advocating for them when others fail to see their potential.
A life beyond The Beatles
However, as much as Brian tries to make the Fab Four the star of “Midas Man” in his “Fleabag”-esque narration, the film gradually shifts focus to his personal struggles. Despite his upbeat, direct-to-camera narration, cracks begin to show — his battles with drug use and the homophobia of the era start seeping into the narrative.
In one particularly harrowing scene, Brian is chased by police, with rapid-cut clips interspersed of him popping pills from his medicine cabinet. In another dark moment, Brian has just been sexually assaulted at gunpoint and tells the audience how he felt sorry for his attacker and even gives him a job. But this monologue is interrupted by his assistant Alistair (Milo Parker), and Brian immediately goes back to attending to business as usual — his suffering neatly compartmentalized.
The drugs eventually become a prop that start to take over scenes, steadily becoming part of his daily routine. In a “walking montage,” Brian walks in place and describes The Beatles’ world tours as news headlines and images of the boys are projected behind and in front of him. In the second of these montages, he casually swallows pills with alcohol. Even the band’s members notice the toll it’s taken on him, commenting on his gaunt appearance. But the manager only laughs and pokes fun at himself, forcing them to ignore his pain so he can take care of them.
“Midas Man” connects Brian’s Jewish identity directly to his gay identity. Raised in a loving home, he longs for companionship not just for personal fulfillment, but because he envisions bringing a Jewish partner into his life, building the kind of family he was raised in.
This desire becomes complicated when he meets actor Tex Ellington (Ed Speleers) in New York. Brian struggles to put his relentless work aside and focus on his love life. It isn’t long before Tex becomes his work, added to his companies’ payroll much to his brother’s chagrin. When Tex eventually leaves him, taking Brian’s money and contracts with him, he mourns the loss of a relationship that combined both business and pleasure. In a touching moment, he asks his gay caretaker Lonnie (Chu Omambala) if he and his partner ever want a family. Lonnie tells Brian he has one, just a “different kind of family.”
The many facets of Brian Epstein
While Brian’s loneliness and internal struggles define much of the film, “Midas Man” also highlights his importance as a family member, friend, and mentor. Through his relationship with his mother, Queenie (played masterfully by Emily Watson), he is seen and fully respected for who he is. Despite the loving environment, he tries to shield her from his pain.
As a friend and manager to singer Cilla Black (Darci Shaw), he supports and uplifts, never sharing his personal struggles. In a powerful scene at his brother’s wedding, the two sit on the stairs as Cilla asks him when he’ll find a partner, and despite never being said, there is an underlying acceptance of who he is as a gay man.
But as a father figure and mentor for The Beatles, Brian is proud and willing, risking it all to support them and their talents. His efforts prove successful, as even when they decide to stop touring or change their look, they never choose to abandon him, included in group hugs and moments of gratitude.
As a music biopic, “Midas Man” feels somewhat formulaic in telling Brian Epstein’s story, with the narrative of extreme success, personal demons, and failed romantic relationships. But in allowing him to break the fourth wall, the directors showcase the legendary manager’s flaws naturally and pitifully. It’s clear he doesn’t want to burden anyone with his problems so when he is vulnerable and at his lowest, we don’t feel forced to watch a man suffer. “Midas Man” isn’t another Beatles story; rather, it’s a reminder that we could all use assistance and support in order to be successful.
You can buy and stream “Midas Man” here.
