Directed By:
Peter Jackson, Michael Lindsay-Hogg
Starring:
John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Ringo Starr, Michael Lindsay-Hoggge, Linda McCartney, Yoko Ono
Genre:
Documentary
Rated: PPG-13 for some violence and strong language
Peter Jackson was given access to locked away footage of a Beatles documentary that never aired. The Beatles refused to air it, after deeming it a bad look for the band. This 3 part, almost 8 hr documentary aims to show the reality of what the week leading up to ‘Let It Be’ and their last public performance and perhaps rewrite the history of what you thought you knew about the fab 4.
Watching this with my die-hard Beatles fan of a father, I wanted to gauge his reaction to this band that had been playing constantly in car rides, my many i pods, and now on my hipster record player. What struck him the most was how much the bands drama and issues were overhyped by the media and through time. the documentary tells a story of 4 people who genuinely love each other and love to make music together. Seeing the relationship with John and Paul, the dynamics of their leading chemistry alongside George’s yearning to get his own time, with Ringo keeping time. It’s pretty incredible to see them work.
Peter Jackson was able to present an incredible 3 part series of one of the most iconic bands in history and keeps you engaged the entire runtime. With that, taking breaks in between each episode is warranted to keep it refreshing rather than a binge chore. I think this works better with time to process each part separately but you’ll have to let me know if you did binge everything whether you do. Overall, it’s a recommendation for me and definitely to all the Beatles fans who want to see their band doing what they love.
