Very well executed

This movie is the proof that the world is becoming a sick and dumb place

Best movie ever!

There are moments that feel comical, some horrific, and some downright inspiring but the tonal shifts hardly matter as the end results come to a film that's perfect for this time.

A great opportunity for and Indy director to make an interesting film about a rock musician on the brink of stardom. It could have been a decent film if it would have dealt with John Livien's traumatic past and how it is torturing his psyche. Instead, it is a ridiculous attempt to identify John Livien's life with John Lennon's. John Livien's suicida mother's hero was John Lennon and she wished for him to become as powerful and prolific as Lennon himself. Instead of focusing on John Lennon's musical brilliance, and his wonderful ability to bare himself for others to learn something about their own life, it showed Lennon's legacy to be that of a confused, drug addicted soul, who should looked upon as a God instead a man. I am a huge John Lennon fan and this movie reminded me of another "crazy" person obsessed with Lennon, Lennon's killer , Mark David Chapman. Lennon was a man who was brutally murdered by someone else who had an identity crisis with Lennon. Do we need to be reminded of that? John Lennon gave so much to the world with his music and honesty and I was repulsed to see another disturbed person, as the main character in this movie obsessed by Lennon, and not show his beautiful contributions to the world. Yoko Ono graciously honored John Lennon's memory,by making the memorial in Central Park to give his fans a chance to pay their respects, and remember John. Instead the director of this movie chose to use that site to have the killer attempt to commit suicide. I found this so disturbing and disrespectful to Lennon's memory. He was a man of peace who died a brutal senseless death, and to see such violence near this site felt like a revisiting a terrible wound for any Lennon fan. It ruined the movie completely for me . It could have been a decent movie, but it left me with a bitter taste in my mouth. Let John Lennon, and his family rest in peace and not be reminded of his vicious murder by this irresponsible movie.

I just got "Shooting Livian" in the mail, & it was every bit as good, if not better than, I expected. While everyone did a truly professional job, I have to credit Dominic Monaghan for the most colorful, believable performance, though I am bias ; ) I don't know, you just got the feeling he wasn't even acting, he was just being his usual self. He seemed easy and natural. I can really see him as Owen in another life. Loved the Lennon accents. It was little touches like that, the glasses,and the "Peace Bed", that helped make the show for me. The father was sympathetic, I liked the drummer, girlfriend, etc. Lovely soundtrack. The only fly in the ointment was Ally Sheedy, which surprised me as she is such an experienced actress. I just felt she was "phoning in" her performance. I think she could have made more of an effort.Regardless, good ending. Hopeful, realistic, satisfying, without being saccharine.Over all, I greatly enjoyed it, give it a thumbs up, & am so glad I own it on DVD : )Peace, Juli"Living is easy with eyes closed." - John Lennon "Life is what happens when you're busy making other plans" -- John Lennon

Shooting Livien a great beautiful Rock Drama by Rebecca Cook. This was excellent filmed in a sort of POV from John Livien's (Jason Behr) vision. John Livien plays in a band with two of his friends Owen(Dominique Monaghan) and Robby(Joshua Leonard) and are trying to make it in the music business. Along the way you will get a look in Livien's mind, and experience his fears, his past and his drug addiction, that lead up to his craziness and dysfunctional life.The music that goes with this movie is outstanding and was done by Fionn Ó Lochlainn. It fits the movie and the lyrics give also a clear view how dark Livien's mind is.One of the items in the "Special Features" on the DVD is Behind the Scenes. Filmed and produced by Scott Eathorne. It was very well done, and it also includes some scenes that weren't used in the original movie.I loved it and can recommend it very highly if you want to buy the DVD.Sandra

This is a really well made movie. I went to the premiere last night and stayed for the talk back with the director and cast, and i was extremely impressed. The acting, directing, cinematography, script, lighting, everything was so detailed and precise and beautiful. I am a huge John Lennon and Beatles fan, so that was an added bonus for me, and the references and paralleled story lines were incorporated really nicely into the script. Not to mention, a great soundtrack that plays a big role in the movie. Rebecca Cook chose some very unique camera choices, that sets this movie apart from so many others from the start. The feel of the movie i would relate to movies like Requiem for a Dream, Basquiat, White Oleander, and possibly even a pessimistic version of Garden State. I highly recommend this movie to anyone who likes narrative features or any/all of the movies i mentioned above