Release Date: Thursday 15th of September – World Premiere
The Ron Howard production displayed archived and previously thought to be lost footage of the Beatles, showcasing their struggles from being a small skiffle band playing the regular spot at the Cavern Club to performing in front of 55,000 people at Shea Stadium.
The first thing I noticed whilst seated to watch the film was the general age of the people sat around me. Men and women in their late 50′s who seemed to seek solace in the documentary. I spoke to a couple whom sat next to me, who had both met in their teenage years through a mutual love and appreciation of Beatles music. For them, it was a way of reliving those cherished years, which personally, was very endearing.
As I sat in silence and anticipation, I was soon greeted by a live stream of the Premiere, which was being held in London. Hosting the evening was Liverpool native and comedian by trade; John Bishop, and a blonde woman, no idea who she was, or what relevance she had towards the evening, but she was well informed none the less.
Throughout the hour long premiere, there were interviews from the likes of Giles Martin, son of the late George Martin – Original Producer of all Beatles records. Giles had honoured his father’s legacy, by contributing to the production of the film, re-mastering old records and editing the unseen footage of The Beatles at Shea Stadium.
[wpdevart_youtube]0fFyZzqPDws[/wpdevart_youtube]
Surprisingly, a frail Yoko arrived, wearing a bedazzled 60′s inspired jacket, paired with a cane smothered in Swarovski crystals, which accompanied the round Lennon glasses and top hat. She had very little to say, and merely listened to John Bishop’s best attempts at impressing the closest relation to John Lennon. After enduring the awkward exchange of words, finally, Sir Paul and Ringo both arrived on the Blue Carpet. They both strode down the walkway, throwing up peace signs, a signature signal often used by Ringo Starr. The duo were greeted by an ecstatic crowd, receiving a larger applause than both Liam Gallagher and Madonna, who were both in attendance.
Following the brief interview with Ron Howard, Paul and Ringo, the live stream was disconnected. It was followed by a “Beatles Jukebox”, which essentially acted as an introduction to the film itself.
The movie was composed of
-Interviews – Eddie Izzard, Sigourney Weaver who was in attendance at the Hollywood Bowl concert, and Dr. Kitty Oliver who has held the Beatles responsible for pioneering the decline of racial segregation by refusing to play to a crowd that was strictly divided by skin tone.
-Snippets of film shot by the band members themselves, revealing the natural charisma and charm of John, Paul, George and Ringo.
– 30 minutes of restored 4k footage from the Shea Stadium concert.
-The progression of the band from start to finish.
During the 3 hours, the filmhad struck emotion into the eyes of every viewer. In the past 30 years, there have been numerous documentations of the Beatles’ legacy, but Ron Howard has managed to create the most accurate representation of the Beatles, and the madness that ensued. Howard’s encapsulated all aspects of the 10 years of Beatlemania, in 2 hours. That’s talent.
Highlights from the film-
Ringo Starr commenting on John Lennon’s attempts at motivating the band, when all hopes were lost – “When the Beatles were depressed-thinking the group was going nowhere, and this is a sh***y deal, and we’re in a sh***y dressing room-I’d say, ‘Where are we going, fellas?’ And they’d go, ‘To the top, Johnny!’ And I’d say, ‘Where’s that fellas?’ and they’d say, ‘To the toppermost of the poppermost!’ and I’d say, ‘Right!’ Then we’d all sort of cheer up.“
Paul McCartney on the Beatles boot – “We’d often have a suitcase with a set of dirty clothes that we would wear off stage. But, when we arrived at venues, we’d be given the pressed suits and our Beatles pointed boots. Once they were on, we’d look at ourselves and go, “Alright, let’s do this”.
Seeing archived footage from the Beatles at Shea Stadium. Specifically, the intensity of the crowd, 55,000 screaming fans happen to sound like a swarm of angry angry bees.
The quality of the footage of the Beatles’ performance at the ABC Cinema, Manchester.
Ron Howard’s attention to detail. Across the 2 hours, the audience were given unprecedented access into the lives of each Beatle, but unlike several documentaries, books and articles that seized to accurately represent their lives. Howard, did not draw attention to the darker period of Beatlemania, when the band were charged with drug charges.
words MANON WILLIAMS