Midas Man Just Dropped on Prime Video: Is It a Must-See for the Beatles Fans?

There have been many films about The Beatles, including some with their direct involvement. A Hard Day's Night, for example, marked the group's entry into the international arena.

But the name of the man who created the group's immortal image, manager Brian Epstein, is rarely mentioned in the films.

What Is Midas Man About?

Brian's parents wanted him to sell furniture, but he decided to sell records – and not only became the best in his field, but also gained the trust of the labels.

Eventually, the vinyl scene became crowded and Epstein went to see an obscure foursome play, heard their unique sound and decided to become the band's manager.

Midas Man begins with this pivotal meeting. Without Brian, with his willingness to knock on studio doors and his patience, we would have lost one of the greatest bands in history and Britain would have lost a national symbol.

The Beatles’ Portrayal in Midas Man Is Rather Flat

Midas Man is told in the first person: Brian himself tells what happened to him and when. The simple technique is captivating: when Epstein, enchanted by talent, admits to the camera that he dreams of making his musicians more popular than Elvis, it is impossible not to feel warm feelings for this self-confidence.

But to place the manager at the centre of the story is to play a cruel joke on the Beatles themselves: those who only know the group from that photo on the pedestrian crossing might think that the Liverpool four were a bunch of pompous fools with no discipline.

Midas Man Storyline Is Too Incoherent

Another major problem with the film is the disjointed narrative. Epstein has just signed a contract with the studio and now the Beatles are on their way to the US. The foursome doesn't really develop – as if they're just lucky.

Several times, significant milestones in the group's history are presented in this way: Brian walks in front of a background of collages of posters and photographs and tells the viewer in a few words about the events that are taking place. This narrative is more like an encyclopaedia than a film, as the chronology clearly misses important moments.

The uneven pacing makes it difficult for anyone unfamiliar with the Beatles to understand what's going on. It would have been nice to see at least half an hour added to Midas Man to talk more specifically about the hardships of working in show business.

Midas Man Doesn't Even Show the Death of Brian Epstein

The biggest blow to both the band and the audience is the unexpected news of Epstein's death. The day after Brian told a friend of his happiness, he poisoned himself with sleeping pills.

And here Midas Man uses the most disrespectful technique – it is afraid to tell the viewer what happened and instead writes the caption: Epstein died on 27 August 1967. After actor Jacob Fortune-Lloyd has charmed the viewer for an hour and a half, it is unacceptable to end the story with one sentence.

If Midas Man wanted to tell the story of an important but unnoticed figure in the industry, the chronicle is too short and, with such an ending, even disrespectful.