A moment for An American Family

[Mr. Cohen]

I know, I know - it's fashionable to hate this movie because it often portrays Brian in a negative light and Mike in a positive light, just as it's paradoxically fashionable to defend Mike and attack Brian's positions in the process. But hear me out! There's some great storytelling here.

For example, take a look at how the scene in which Brian is exposed to the hippie crowd is later juxtaposed with Dennis' experience with Manson. Brian is told by Tommy that the Beach Boys aren't his scene, that the enlightened crowd is his real scene. Eventually, this crowd leads him down a road of drug addiction that nearly ruins him. Later, Dennis meets Manson and joins Manson's "family". As Dennis leaves Brian's house with Manson and his entourage following a recording session in Brian's private studio, he tells Brian how Manson's family accept people like Brian for who they are, unlike his current scene. A contemplative look emerges on Brian's face - he undoubtedly sees the similarities, and how Dennis will ultimately be taken advantage of by Manson's family of drainers (remember how Marilyn kept calling Brian's friends drainers?). And sure enough, that's what happens to Dennis.

Or how about the scene when Murry drives to the "Wouldn't It Be Nice?" session (not chronologically accurate, but whatever), and tells Audree that he's a driver - he drove the Beach Boys. Later, however, his attempt to one up his son in the studio fails, and Audree then physically "drives" him home.

And really, Murry is wonderfully portrayed throughout the film. Who hasn't had a boss or known someone that knows how to forcefully whip people into shape, but then doesn't know when to quit and ultimately drives people away? You know, a person that's never happy, even as people reach their maximum potential,  because making people feel inferior is how they make themselves feel powerful and in control? And as the attempts to maintain control and superiority get more desperate, the methods equally become more absurd.

That's Murry as seen in the movie, a real life personality type brought to life.

And man, I could keep going on....

[AndrewHickey]

For example, take a look at how the scene in which Brian is exposed to the hippie crowd is later juxtaposed with Dennis' experience with Manson. Brian is told by Tommy that the Beach Boys aren't his scene, that the enlightened crowd is his real scene. Eventually, this crowd leads him down a road of drug addiction that nearly ruins him. Later, Dennis meets Manson and joins Manson's "family". As Dennis leaves Brian's house with Manson and his entourage following a recording session in Brian's private studio, he tells Brian how Manson's family accept people like Brian for who they are, unlike his current scene. A contemplative look emerges on Brian's face - he undoubtedly sees the similarities, and how Dennis will ultimately be taken advantage of by Manson's family of drainers (remember how Marilyn kept calling Brian's friends drainers?). And sure enough, that's what happens to Dennis.

Which is kind of the point. "Tommy" is Van Dyke Parks -- the name was only changed after first broadcast, when Parks threatened legal action. Comparing Van Dyke Parks -- a good, decent man -- with Charles Manson in any way is just horrific.

[filledeplage]

I know, I know - it's fashionable to hate this movie because it often portrays Brian in a negative light and Mike in a positive light, just as it's paradoxically fashionable to defend Mike and attack Brian's positions in the process. But hear me out! There's some great storytelling here.

For example, take a look at how the scene in which Brian is exposed to the hippie crowd is later juxtaposed with Dennis' experience with Manson. Brian is told by Tommy that the Beach Boys aren't his scene, that the enlightened crowd is his real scene. Eventually, this crowd leads him down a road of drug addiction that nearly ruins him. Later, Dennis meets Manson and joins Manson's "family". As Dennis leaves Brian's house with Manson and his entourage following a recording session in Brian's private studio, he tells Brian how Manson's family accept people like Brian for who they are, unlike his current scene. A contemplative look emerges on Brian's face - he undoubtedly sees the similarities, and how Dennis will ultimately be taken advantage of by Manson's family of drainers (remember how Marilyn kept calling Brian's friends drainers?). And sure enough, that's what happens to Dennis.

Or how about the scene when Murry drives to the "Wouldn't It Be Nice?" session (not chronologically accurate, but whatever), and tells Audree that he's a driver - he drove the Beach Boys. Later, however, his attempt to one up his son in the studio fails, and Audree then physically "drives" him home.

And really, Murry is wonderfully portrayed throughout the film. Who hasn't had a boss or known someone that knows how to forcefully whip people into shape, but then doesn't know when to quit and ultimately drives people away? You know, a person that's never happy, even as people reach their maximum potential,  because making people feel inferior is how they make themselves feel powerful and in control? And as the attempts to maintain control and superiority get more desperate, the methods equally become more absurd.

That's Murry as seen in the movie, a real life personality type brought to life.

And man, I could keep going on....

The film is interesting, and what might redeem it, if one finds it repulsive, (and this is the teacher in me, speaking,)might be that, after having taught times tables, and math facts, etc., is that information that is not repeated or drilled repeatedly, is often forgotten, leaving only the "global concepts" intact.  The viewer might remember the music style, the fact that the band was family-based, that the band is mostly known for surfing/car/girl-boy music.   They might remember the family angst, and the events that might have been newsworthy as well as someone named Brian Wilson making a "comeback." 

Fans, such as those passionate enough to dig into the catalog, will sort of "filter" facts and attempt to discern fact from fiction, and, from knowing the work in a profound way, look through a stronger telescopic lens.  I suppose you could compare it to the difference between a book and the movie version of the book.  That is not to distract from inaccuracies, that people might find or perceive, and I'm not taking one side or another, just pointing out that, most people forget about 90% of what they hear or read or see.  And, need to repeat something about seven times before it is committed to memory. 

Ask any teacher trying to teach math facts or phonetics, or prepositions and grammar rules how long it takes to have students remember anything. Mostly, you think you are talking to yourself and the students will never remember what you are "standing on your head" to teach them. What is eventually retained are generally concepts and not facts, which are not drilled by rote memory methods. 

While we always want inaccuracies corrected, the general viewer only retains a small portion of what they see and hear.
For the larger picture, I bet most people who are not Boys fans could not name more than 3 of the band members, if that, because they just don't hold on to information that they are not exposed to all the time. 

[SMiLE Brian]

For example, take a look at how the scene in which Brian is exposed to the hippie crowd is later juxtaposed with Dennis' experience with Manson. Brian is told by Tommy that the Beach Boys aren't his scene, that the enlightened crowd is his real scene. Eventually, this crowd leads him down a road of drug addiction that nearly ruins him. Later, Dennis meets Manson and joins Manson's "family". As Dennis leaves Brian's house with Manson and his entourage following a recording session in Brian's private studio, he tells Brian how Manson's family accept people like Brian for who they are, unlike his current scene. A contemplative look emerges on Brian's face - he undoubtedly sees the similarities, and how Dennis will ultimately be taken advantage of by Manson's family of drainers (remember how Marilyn kept calling Brian's friends drainers?). And sure enough, that's what happens to Dennis.

Which is kind of the point. "Tommy" is Van Dyke Parks -- the name was only changed after first broadcast, when Parks threatened legal action. Comparing Van Dyke Parks -- a good, decent man -- with Charles Manson in any way is just horrific.

I watched this recently on american tv, and they are only playing the UNEDITED version where they say Van Dyke Parks.

[AndrewHickey]

For example, take a look at how the scene in which Brian is exposed to the hippie crowd is later juxtaposed with Dennis' experience with Manson. Brian is told by Tommy that the Beach Boys aren't his scene, that the enlightened crowd is his real scene. Eventually, this crowd leads him down a road of drug addiction that nearly ruins him. Later, Dennis meets Manson and joins Manson's "family". As Dennis leaves Brian's house with Manson and his entourage following a recording session in Brian's private studio, he tells Brian how Manson's family accept people like Brian for who they are, unlike his current scene. A contemplative look emerges on Brian's face - he undoubtedly sees the similarities, and how Dennis will ultimately be taken advantage of by Manson's family of drainers (remember how Marilyn kept calling Brian's friends drainers?). And sure enough, that's what happens to Dennis.

Which is kind of the point. "Tommy" is Van Dyke Parks -- the name was only changed after first broadcast, when Parks threatened legal action. Comparing Van Dyke Parks -- a good, decent man -- with Charles Manson in any way is just horrific.

I watched this recently on american tv, and they are only playing the UNEDITED version where they say Van Dyke Parks.

If true, that's absolutely disgusting, and I hope Parks sues.

[Chocolate Shake Man]

For example, take a look at how the scene in which Brian is exposed to the hippie crowd is later juxtaposed with Dennis' experience with Manson. Brian is told by Tommy that the Beach Boys aren't his scene, that the enlightened crowd is his real scene. Eventually, this crowd leads him down a road of drug addiction that nearly ruins him. Later, Dennis meets Manson and joins Manson's "family". As Dennis leaves Brian's house with Manson and his entourage following a recording session in Brian's private studio, he tells Brian how Manson's family accept people like Brian for who they are, unlike his current scene. A contemplative look emerges on Brian's face - he undoubtedly sees the similarities, and how Dennis will ultimately be taken advantage of by Manson's family of drainers (remember how Marilyn kept calling Brian's friends drainers?). And sure enough, that's what happens to Dennis.

Which is kind of the point. "Tommy" is Van Dyke Parks -- the name was only changed after first broadcast, when Parks threatened legal action. Comparing Van Dyke Parks -- a good, decent man -- with Charles Manson in any way is just horrific.

I don't think that "Tommy" was the Van Dyke Parks character - I thought they changed his name to something like Samuel Pierce or something along those lines.

This is definitely part of the film that betrays the Mike Love influence though, in depicting Brian's Smile-era friends as "drainers." What a bunch of nonsense.

[AndrewHickey]

For example, take a look at how the scene in which Brian is exposed to the hippie crowd is later juxtaposed with Dennis' experience with Manson. Brian is told by Tommy that the Beach Boys aren't his scene, that the enlightened crowd is his real scene. Eventually, this crowd leads him down a road of drug addiction that nearly ruins him. Later, Dennis meets Manson and joins Manson's "family". As Dennis leaves Brian's house with Manson and his entourage following a recording session in Brian's private studio, he tells Brian how Manson's family accept people like Brian for who they are, unlike his current scene. A contemplative look emerges on Brian's face - he undoubtedly sees the similarities, and how Dennis will ultimately be taken advantage of by Manson's family of drainers (remember how Marilyn kept calling Brian's friends drainers?). And sure enough, that's what happens to Dennis.

Which is kind of the point. "Tommy" is Van Dyke Parks -- the name was only changed after first broadcast, when Parks threatened legal action. Comparing Van Dyke Parks -- a good, decent man -- with Charles Manson in any way is just horrific.

I don't think that "Tommy" was the Van Dyke Parks character - I thought they changed his name to something like Samuel Pierce or something along those lines.

This is definitely part of the film that betrays the Mike Love influence though, in depicting Brian's Smile-era friends as "drainers." What a bunch of nonsense.

My mistake. You're quite right -- it's been years since I watched it.
Personally, I actually think that many of Brian's friends at that time *were* drainers -- someone like Loren Daro, for example, seems to have only had a negative effect on Brian and his life. But none of them were anything like as bad as Manson, and the film extends that critique to people like Parks who were as far from that kind of behaviour as it's possible to imagine.

[Chocolate Shake Man]

Daro is an example, certainly, but I don't think people like David Anderle, Danny Hutton, Van Dyke Parks, and others were drainers. If anything, they supported Brian's creativity and perhaps spurred him on to create some of the best work of his life.

[AndrewHickey]

Daro is an example, certainly, but I don't think people like David Anderle, Danny Hutton, Van Dyke Parks, and others were drainers. If anything, they supported Brian's creativity and perhaps spurred him on to create some of the best work of his life.

I absolutely agree about Parks. I don't know enough about Hutton or Anderle's role in Brian's life to say one way or another, though I suspect both were roughly on the side of the angels.

[SMiLE Brian]

For example, take a look at how the scene in which Brian is exposed to the hippie crowd is later juxtaposed with Dennis' experience with Manson. Brian is told by Tommy that the Beach Boys aren't his scene, that the enlightened crowd is his real scene. Eventually, this crowd leads him down a road of drug addiction that nearly ruins him. Later, Dennis meets Manson and joins Manson's "family". As Dennis leaves Brian's house with Manson and his entourage following a recording session in Brian's private studio, he tells Brian how Manson's family accept people like Brian for who they are, unlike his current scene. A contemplative look emerges on Brian's face - he undoubtedly sees the similarities, and how Dennis will ultimately be taken advantage of by Manson's family of drainers (remember how Marilyn kept calling Brian's friends drainers?). And sure enough, that's what happens to Dennis.

Which is kind of the point. "Tommy" is Van Dyke Parks -- the name was only changed after first broadcast, when Parks threatened legal action. Comparing Van Dyke Parks -- a good, decent man -- with Charles Manson in any way is just horrific.

I watched this recently on american tv, and they are only playing the UNEDITED version where they say Van Dyke Parks.

If true, that's absolutely disgusting, and I hope Parks sues.

Its been played a ton on VH1 since the reunion and you can clearly hear them say "van dyke" multiple times.

[Rocky Raccoon]

The actor who played Murry is Kevin Dunn who is a very good and accomplished character actor.  I think he did a pretty good job with what he was given but it really is an awful movie.  The Beach Boys are too iconic and have such a complex story that they deserve something more high budget and writing that shows knowledge with the source material.  Because even if it's not a terrible film, it's still an insult to the Wilsons and the Beach Boys.

[I. Spaceman]

I agree with Mike about Brian's friends of that era. It is a shame that Parks, the solitary exception, was used as a composite character representing all of them.

[Lowbacca]

The actor who played Murry is Kevin Dunn who is a very good and accomplished character actor.  I think he did a pretty good job with what he was given but it really is an awful movie.  The Beach Boys are too iconic and have such a complex story that they deserve something more high budget and writing that shows knowledge with the source material.  Because even if it's not a terrible film, it's still an insult to the Wilsons and the Beach Boys.

Yup, Dunn/Murry basically was the only 'good' thing about An American Family. That's how I remember the movie, anyway.

[drbeachboy]

I agree with Mike about Brian's friends of that era. It is a shame that Parks, the solitary exception, was used as a composite character representing all of them.

As wrong as it may be, it does tell you how Mike has thought of him throughout the ages.

[gfac22]

I have to agree, Kevin Dunn was outstanding as Murry.  Other than that, the only other thing I thought was really good about the mini-series was Matt Letscher, the dude who played Mike.  I thought he had Mike's mannerisms and way of speaking down to a T.

[Mr. Cohen]

I disagree with this assertion that the movie slandered Van Dyke Parks. As far as I can tell, it's "Tommy" giving Brian all the drugs and encouraging the drainers. Parks happened to just be part of the drug scene and managed to nudge himself into Brian's confidence. It's common knowledge that Parks was big into amphetamines and marijuana at the time. Everyone's just upset because Parks told you that you should be.

[Mr. Cohen]

Also, I actually find Brian's character to be likable in the movie. He's not conniving - he just has a hard time asserting his own will, and when he eventually does, it's usually in some needlessly passive aggressive way. Is that not true? I agree with those that complain that they accelerated Brian's decline a bit too quickly, turning him into a bathrobe wearing dropout before Smile was even canned. They were trying to speed up the story, but maybe failed to portray some of the more interesting aspects of the era in the process.

[halblaineisgood]

.

[EgoHanger1966]

Its been played a ton on VH1 since the reunion and you can clearly hear them say "van dyke" multiple times.

Correct, but when they use Van Dyke's name, they are not replacing the "Tommy" character. "Tommy" is the one who brings Brian to the party, and Van Dyke is there. Two different actors, two different characters.

As for An American Family...it's amusing/entertaining if you know the truer side of things. For someone who's first intellectual lesson on The BBs history is this movie/mini-series, not good.

[SMiLE Brian]

Its been played a ton on VH1 since the reunion and you can clearly hear them say "van dyke" multiple times.

Correct, but when they use Van Dyke's name, they are not replacing the "Tommy" character. "Tommy" is the one who brings Brian to the party, and Van Dyke is there. Two different actors, two different characters.

As for An American Family...it's amusing/entertaining if you know the truer side of things. For someone who's first intellectual lesson on The BBs history is this movie/mini-series, not good.

But Van Dyke Character's name was changed to Samuel Price in the original broadcast when Parks wanted to sue. Tommy is based off of Daro.

[I. Spaceman]

It is based about equally on Daro and Parks, with bits of others mixed in.

[rogerlancelot]

I remember watching (and recording) it when it first aired. I did love then and probably now the unique mixes they used like "Let The Wind Blow" and instrumental version of "Wouldn't It Be Nice". As for the movie itself, it's better to forget it except for the chapter in the FAQ book by Stebbins. Also we got the Hawthorne release after this which was a nice bonus (never stop making archival releases ever).

[Cam Mott]

I don't remember Van Dyke's character's name being changed, you sure ABC was pressured into changing names? I haven't seen it since it aired however.

I think Tommy Schaeffer [?] was not either Parks or Darro but  [mainly] Terry Sachen.

Update: well shut my mouth, that VDP actor is listed as playing "Samuel Pierce" om imdb.

[AndrewHickey]

I don't remember Van Dyke's character's name being changed, you sure ABC was pressured into changing names? I haven't seen it since it aired however.

http://smileysmile.net/board/index.php?topic=8296.0 -- AGD says in that thread that Van Dyke made them change the name.
(The "Tommy" thing was my mistake, replying to the thread before I'd had any coffee).