WHAT’S IT ABOUT
Initially slated to be a television documentary about the Beatles in the studio, this film, directed by Michael Lindsay-Hogg, instead captures the writing and recording of their penultimate album, “Let It Be.” After the dense complexity of “The White Album,” Paul McCartney wants to return to basics with the next offering. However, tensions within the band are high and quickly become frayed in the studio. The film ends with a rooftop concert in London, the last live show from the group.
MOVIESinMO REVIEW
Let It Be is now available on Disney+. This fascinating documentary is a must-watch for group enthusiasts. The original 1970 film about The Beatles, directed by Michael Lindsay-Hogg and meticulously restored by Peter Jackson, is available for the first time in over 50 years. The feature film doc was initially released in May 1970 as talks of The Beatles’ break-up and showcases the iconic foursome’s passion and togetherness, capturing a critical moment in music history. Viewers are brought into the studio and onto Apple Corps’ London rooftop in January 1969, with moments like messing around singing ‘Besame Mucho,’ Paul and John purposely messing up lyrics to “We’re Going Home,” John and Yoko dancing to a waltz, or Heather McCartney using the recording studio as her playground. Ringo even plays the piano! It’s fascinating to hear the massive influence of American music on their sound, ranging from blues cuts like the Lieber and Stoller hit ‘Kansas City to the Smokey Robinson and The Miracles classic “You Got a Hold on Me.” The session is far from light and fluffy. On one hand, there is a severe lack of communication between the band members, leading to tension. Paul and George have a slight issue over the ‘Across The Universe arrangements.’ Harrison finally snaps at McCartney when he annoys him, stating that he’ll play whatever he wants, “Or I won’t play at all if you don’t want me to play.” This is before the storyline of George leaving the group that is seen in Get Back. McCartney also annoys Lennon, who ignores him silently and laughs as Paul rambles. “Let It Be” is contextless, allowing the creative sparks to fly and land where they may. On the other hand, Let It Be can also be an extreme joy. The group is joined by organist Billy Preston for a loose and fun set of rock ‘n’ roll standards, culminating in a joyful Lennon’s improvisational call-outs. The film also includes a section of formal takes, recorded at Apple, that are heavy on Paul-led piano numbers like “Let It Be” and “The Long and Winding Road.” It’s of historical interest because those songs, presented raw, would become some of the most beloved tunes of the twentieth century. At its release, the film was picked apart by critics who called it “a bore… clumsily edited, uninformative and naïve.” Presented without a storyline, shot on 16 mm and blown up to 35 mm for theatrical release, it was grainy and dark, visually and in tone. Released on May 13, 1970, just a month after the band’s very public break-up, “Let It Be” became ground zero for Beatles conspiracists who analyzed the footage, looking for clues as to why the world’s most beloved band blew apart. But the new film, restored from the original 16mm negative with sparkling remastered sound, reveals something else. There are moments of tension, notably between McCartney and Harrison. Still, in the new, cleaned-up version, the gloom has lifted to reveal a literal band of brothers making art under extraordinary circumstances. The sessions came just months after the “White Album” recording. They were meant to return to their roots after the death of their manager, Brian Epstein, press scrutiny, and internal tensions. A closer look at “Let It Be,” free from the madness of the break-up that highlighted the 1970 release, reveals the shared joy of creation. The film has a certain level of performance, such as Paul making love to the camera as he sings an early version of the title track. But mostly, the film’s appeal is a genuine look at four very public people at the height of their fame, uninterrupted by the pressures of a publicist or the paparazzi’s camera. Of course, the unscripted rooftop concert brings it all together. The Beatles sound great on songs like “Get Back,” “I’ve Got a Feeling,” and “One After 909,” at least until the cops arrive to try and pull the plug.
OUR RATING – A BRITISH 6