Personal Chronicle: John Lennon Post-Beatles: Deep Dive into John Lennon's Life Beyond the Fab Four
Flick: A Fresh Glimpse into John Lennon and Yoko Ono's Post-Beatles Era
It's another round for the Fab Four, or at least one of them, as the silver screen welcomes yet another peek into The Beatles' life. The upcoming biopic series, yet to grace our screens in 2028, has given way to "One To One: John & Yoko," a scrapbook-like documentary shining light on John Lennon's later years.
This captivating piece by director Kevin MacDonald (The Last King Of Scotland) zeroes in on the crack between The Beatles and the aftermath, fast-forwarding to Lennon and Yoko Ono's move to New York City's Greenwich Village. From 1971 to 1973, the film investigates their political activism, particularly their opposition to the Vietnam War and the Nixon administration, and their efforts to aid imprisoned activists.
Archived recordings set the stage for this narrative, painting vivid pictures of their "One to One" benefit concert held at Madison Square Garden in August 1972. The concert, part of a series, marked one of the rare instances Lennon performed live before his untimely demise in 1980. Fragmented phone calls, interviews, and personal material stitch together a vivid picture of a couple navigating life outside a band that once reigned supreme.
By steering clear of Beatles history and interview retreads, the audience is plunged into the sights and sounds of the era. The avant-garde nature of Greenwich Village and the characters they encounter seem to have stirred Lennon, attempting to chart a new course. Mercifully, the film stays away from regurgitating the same old poster quotes, instead letting the times speak for themselves.
Music enthusiasts will find solace in the film's offerings. Rough, yet meticulously-captured footage breathes new life into classics like "Instant Karma! (We All Shine On)," "Imagine," and "Come Together." Lennon and Ono's son Sean, who oversaw the remastering, certainly did justice to the performances.
What sets the film apart is Ono's insight into the fallout of being vilified as the 'villain' in the dissolution of The Beatles. A figure synonymous with relationship strife, she becomes the embodiment of the brokenhearted fan – a nickname born out of gripes and misogyny rather than factual evidence.
John Lennon, on the other hand, times his entrance into the political fray with calculated precision, weaving himself into a resistance movement through association and conviction. Ono, however, gets a chance to share her feelings with an audibly shocked reporter, positing herself as "the ugly Jap who took your monument away from you."
For all the hours dedicated to The Beatles' chronicles, Ono's perspective is largely underrepresented, and the film shines brightest in the moments it brings that into focus. A intimate glimpse into the post-Beatles life of a legendary couple, "One To One: John & Yoko" is a must-see for fans seeking a fresh perspective.
*"One To One: John & Yoko" hits theaters on April 11.*
- In 1972, John Lennon and Yoko Ono held a benefit concert at Madison Square Garden, which is depicted in the documentary "One To One: John & Yoko."
- The couple's move to New York City's Greenwich Village in 1971 is a significant focus of the documentary "One To One: John & Yoko," directed by Kevin MacDonald.
- Yoko Ono discusses her experiences as a scapegoat for The Beatles' dissolution in the documentary "One To One: John & Yoko," offering a unique perspective often neglected in The Beatles' chronicles.
- Music enthusiasts can enjoy remastered performances of classics like "Instant Karma! (We All Shine On)," "Imagine," and "Come Together" in the documentary "One To One: John & Yoko."
