Music, Style & Culture

Killing Bono

A good old-fashioned farce that sends up both the record industry and Neil McCormick's dreams.

Released in cinemas 1st April 2011.

With a title suggested by Bono himself, it's clear from the outset that this is actually a good-natured comedy without an ounce of spite for the U2 frontman.

Blurring fact and fiction, Killing Bono is based on Neil McCormick's memoir I Was Bono's Doppelganger, charting the Telegraph music critic's failed attempt at rock stardom - made worse by his friends' success as U2. The Hole director Nick Hamm brings us a lively bout of good old-fashioned farce that sends up both the record industry and Neil's dreams.

Last seen as Narnia's Prince Caspian, Ben Barnes lets loose with Neil like an Irish Withnail. In anyone else's hands, this idiotic, selfish poser (no offence Neil) would have been unbearable, but Barnes and his puppy-dog eyes - and surprisingly brilliant comic delivery - have you rooting for him throughout, despite his foolishness. We follow him from his Dublin school, where a certain Paul Hewson is putting a band together. The credibility of the film hangs on how they manage Bono's presence, and they have a godsend in the form of Martin McCann. The Belfast actor is uncanny (and disturbingly likeable) as both fresh-faced Hewson and the eventual rock god.

Not to be outdone, the burgeoning success of The Hype (pre-U2) at the school disco spurs Neil on in his pursuit of stardom. Cruelly preventing his younger brother Ivan (Robert Sheehan) from joining Bono's crew, the siblings stumble along for the best part of a decade, having relocated to London. A unfortunately important subplot involving Stanley Townsend's textbook gangster, who lends Neil the money to get started, is stretched to breaking point. Much better is Peter Serafinowicz's aggressive A&R man, who takes the character beyond parody to deliver all the best, snidey lines and all the memorable moments. Also along for the ride is Krysten Ritter's Gloria, as Neil's girlfriend and the manager of Shook Up - the band Neil and Ivan eventually get quite good as.

The late Pete Postlethwaite makes his final film appearance in a role written especially for him. His camp landlord is full of affection, and delivers a hugely poignant farewell to his young tenants; he's just a touching example of a film where the cast and crew's warmth are conveyed onscreen.

Killing Bono may be overlong (pushing two hours) and slightly repetitive (how many times do we need to know they're shite and that Neil ruined Ivan's life), but is hugely enjoyable. This is largely thanks to the chemistry between Barnes and Sheehan, who convince as squabbling brothers and borderline rock stars. Misfits star Sheehan has the straight man role, bouncing off Barnes and passionately venting his frustration with tremendous screen presence, while Barnes' raw energy is contagious, and his lack of vanity gratifying - he's an absolute riot.

Crammed full of both knowing nods to the industry and outright jibes, it balances goofy, obvious humour with an account of youthful ambition, armed with Joe Echo's vibrant and suitably cheesy soundtrack (performed by Barnes and Sheenan). If you're looking for a serious discussion on sibling rivalry and narcissism, it's not to be found here. Those wanting Bono to actually be shown lying in a pool of blood at the end can also look elsewhere. U2 fans will have plenty to enjoy, as Neil and Ivan's misery increases with Bono's fame explosion, nicely charted throughout. Exaggerated and slightly ridiculous, but always charming.

Rating: 8/10

Watch an interview with Robert Sheehan and Ben Barnes below: