MovieChat Forums > Prick Up Your Ears (1987) Discussion > Brian Epstein Issue

Brian Epstein Issue

posted 14 years ago by Jaybone23
4 replies | jump to latest

This is one of my favorite films of all time. It's nearly flawless except:

The depiction of Brian Epstein in one short scene was simply way off the mark. Being a life-long Beatles fan, I'm very familiar with how Epstein looked and acted. The actor they found to play him looked and acted like some slick Hollywood executive -- nothing like the real Brian Epstein. They could have easily found an actor who could have done a much better job portraying him.
But this is a very minor quibble. The scene in question lasts perhaps less than two minutes. I only bring it up because, as I say, as a fan of the Beatles, it was something that stood out for me. Not a big deal.

If you haven't already, do see this film. It's a top notch biopic.

[–] warrenpollard 14 years ago

Brian Epstein was famously gay as well. The scene definitely felt a bit off.

[–] Shilpot7 12 years ago

I agree with you. They should have taken more trouble in casting the right type.

In fact, that was made up I think. I don't believe Brian actually phoned him directly and definitely not in Tangier.

[–] Noddy_Comet 10 years ago

It was probably the producer, Walter Shenson, who phoned Orton, as he was the person Orton was dealing with when he was offered the Beatles screenplay. Even Shenson was elusive - Orton had to keep getting his agent to chase him up. Epstein barely spoke to Orton; they only ever had a couple of meetings.

Make tea, not war.

[–] Noddy_Comet 10 years ago

Yeah, I had a problem with that. The actor not only looked wrong, but his voice and mannerisms were nothing like Brian Epstein, who was a very well-spoken and quite effete man. The depiction in the film makes Epstein seem like some cocky Svengali-type figure.

Make tea, not war.