Sarah Wynter's Shooting Livien Gets Reviewed

Movie hole.net has this to say on it

Shooting Livien

Jason Behr, Dominic Monaghan, Joshua Leonard, Ally Sheedy, Sarah Wynter, Polly Draper, Jay O. Sanders

If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then “Shooting Livien” is truly a sincere film. However, sincere does not necessarily mean good.

Jason Behr stars as John Livien, a talented singer/songwriter whose biggest influence was John Lennon. But, Livien carries the influence to the point of madness as he “channels” Lennon both on and off stage. Even his band mates Owen (Dominic Monaghan) and Robby (Joshua Leonard) are having problems with Livien’s multiple personality. When their manager (Ally Sheedy) brings them to the edge of stardom, Livien begins to self destruct.

Behr is convincing as the tortured musician. What’s less convincing, or engaging, is the story itself. Livien just isn’t that interesting a figure. And his Beatlesque music is so-so. That leaves us with few characters to save a promising, but in the end, disappointing film.

Monaghan is excellent as Livien’s band mate and friend with some of the better scenes coming between the two.

Whether for artistic or legal reasons, the conscious effort to omit Lennon’s name and likeness was noticeable and distracting. In spite of good intentions, “Shooting Livien” falls short.