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"John was eager to delve deeply into the task at hand"

Director Kevin Macdonald delves into his documentary 'One to One: John & Yoko', discussing John Lennon's participation and Yoko Ono's subsequent fury.

, and ASMedia

2025 September 2 . 11:24 AM

2 min read

"John yearned for a hands-on experience"

"John was eager to delve deeply into the task at hand"

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When John Lennon and Yoko Ono left London for New York City in September 1971, they were seeking a fresh start away from the intense media scrutiny and tabloid racism faced in their hometown. The vibrant counterculture scene in the Big Apple, aligned with their political and artistic visions, proved to be a magnetic draw[3][5].

Their new home was a small apartment in the West Village, which was still quite rough at the time. Yet, it was here that they began their journey of activism, art, and personal growth[5].

The documentary "One to One: John & Yoko" offers a captivating glimpse into this period of their lives. The film features concert footage, TV appearances, home videos, and phone calls, creating a collage of the couple's influences, both personal and political, social[2]. It serves as a metaphor for how individuals interpret the past, piecing together their family history from individual moments.

The film is based on a benefit concert at Madison Square Garden in 1972, for which restored footage was used. One of the highlights is the concert for a home for children with disabilities, a cause close to their hearts[4].

John Lennon's activism was marked by a desire to get involved directly, using his fame for good causes. His search for answers to questions about a good life and an equal relationship was evident in his actions[1].

Yoko Ono was often subjected to media attacks, particularly because she was an independent woman and artist. However, the documentary serves as a corrective to the public image of Yoko Ono, presenting a more nuanced and sympathetic portrayal[6].

Their performances took on a different meaning when viewed in the context of their search for their daughter Kyoko, who was kidnapped by her biological father, and their grief over her loss[7]. For years, John and Yoko spent millions of dollars on the search, but unfortunately, they were never able to find her.

Their relationship was marked by mutual respect and Yoko's influence as an artist. The replica of their apartment, built for the film, immerses the audience in their lived experience in America[8].

The film does not provide a coherent story, instead inviting the audience to form their own picture of the couple at that time. It offers a snapshot of their lives, filled with activism, art, and the pursuit of a better world[9].