John and Yoko. Greenwich Village. Television. Activism. Vietnam. Richard Nixon. Insects. Peace. This skittish, channel-surfing archival documentary, co-directed byKevin Macdonaldand Sam Rice-Edwards, touches on all of this and more. But it lingers on nothing. It’s a spry, fleet-footed film that makes an intriguingly angular and jittery companion piece to Peter Jackson’s weighty seriesThe Beatles: Get Back, which explored, over nearly eight exhaustive hours, the making of the Beatles’ 1970 final album,Let It Be.One to One, in contrast, covers an 18-month period shortly afterwards. It’s 1971. Unshackled from the Beatles and burned by the hostility of the British press, Lennon and Ono have upped sticks and moved to a bohemian two-room apartment in Manhattan’s Greenwich Village. TheJohn Lennonwe see in Jackson’s film can be abrasive, a guarded presence. InOneto One, he’s lighter: engaged, curious and open, he seems positively chipper in some archival snippets. Ono, meanwhile, is reframed from the Beatles-wrecking succubus of popular media opinion at the time and shown as an articulate, if eccentric avant-garde artist who is candid about the personal cost of the hate campaign levelled against her. The move to New York is not just a relocation, but also, as the film tells it, a rebirth of sorts.Well, that’s the approved narrative, at least. The film, which was made with support (and, one suspects, a considerable degree of oversight) from the Lennon estate, benefits from some extraordinarily revealing and intimate material, such as recordings of telephone conversations (Lennon believed they were being bugged and reasoned that he might as well be taping his phone calls if somebody else was already doing so). Footage threaded through this nonlinear collage film from the One to One concert at Madison Square Garden in 1972 – Lennon’s last full-length stage performance – is electrifying, particularly a barnstorming rendition of Come Together. But it’s also notable and somewhat frustrating that a veil is discreetly drawn over certain aspects of the Lennon-Ono relationship. There’s no indication, for example, that the end of the period that the film covers coincided with the temporary breakdown of their marriage, andLennon’s affair with May Pang.The film’s rattling pace and haphazard focus reflect the couple’s voracious appetite for ideas and issuesTogether with his co-director, Macdonald, whose previous forays into biographical documentary includeMarley(2012),Whitney(2018) and, most recently,High & Low: John Galliano(2023), adopts a deliberately jarring and scattershot approach here. It’s a picture about John and Yoko, certainly, but it’s as much about the turbulent time and place in which they found themselves. In this, there’s a clear parallel with Todd Haynes’s thrilling, febrile documentaryThe Velvet Underground, which extended its reach beyond the band to explore the wider cultural New York landscape. WithOne to One, the film-makers take as a jumping-off point a throwaway comment from Lennon about his appreciation of television. “It’s replaced the fireplace,” he says, describing it as a “window on the world”. A recreation of the apartment they shared shows a huge television looming over the bed. And cut together with the glimpses of Lennon and Ono, from interviews with journalists, audio recordings, home videos and live performances, is a barrage of ragged clips ripped from American television of the era.Some of it ties into the life the couple carved out for themselves in Manhattan: we see firebrand activist Jerry Rubin emptying both barrels during a late-night chatshow. And Rubin, together with fellow rock stars of the countercultural movement such as Abbie Hoffman and Allen Ginsberg, was part of the circle within which Lennon and Ono moved. Elsewhere, the film skims through fragments of gameshows and advertisements – Cadillacs draped in bikini-clad showgirls, everything that the red-blooded all-American man could want in life – and delivers a skittering sensory assault of attention-grabbing headlines snatched from the rolling news coverage. We see Nixon, with his pinched, thin-lipped, lying smile. Shell-shocked reporters reeling from theAttica prison riot. The bruising horrors of Vietnam. High and low culture, news and current affairs: all of it, the film suggests, mainlined by John and Yoko.‘An incredible echo of today’: Kevin Macdonald on his film about John Lennon and Yoko OnoRead moreAt times, the editing and far-ranging archival reach put me in mind of last year’sSoundtrack to a Coup d’Etatby Johan Grimonprez, another documentary that weaves together music and politics to exhilarating effect. IfOne to Onelacks some of the elegant intellectual rigour of Grimonprez’s picture, I suspect it’s no accident. For John and Yoko, accustomed to British TV’s sedate three channels, the brash noise and broad horizons of US television must have felt like a step into the wild west. The film’s rattling pace and haphazard focus reflect the couple’s voracious, if at times unfocused appetite for ideas and issues.Released from his Beatles responsibilities, Lennon apparently made the most of the newfound freedom. The excitement and enthusiasm in his voice as he bounces ideas for music and activism during a phone call is infectious and vital. Ultimately,One to Onemight not reveal a huge amount that’s new about Lennon, but it makes him feel bracingly alive in a way few other documentaries have managed.In UK and Irish cinemasWatch a trailer for One to One.
One to One: John & Yoko review – Lennon and Ono storm Manhattan in intimate post-Beatles doc
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Documentary 'One to One' Explores John Lennon and Yoko Ono's Life in 1970s Manhattan"
The Guardian
7.2
TruthLens AI Summary
The documentary 'One to One,' co-directed by Kevin Macdonald and Sam Rice-Edwards, presents an energetic exploration of John Lennon and Yoko Ono's life in Manhattan during a transformative period following the Beatles' breakup. Set in 1971, the film captures the couple's relocation to Greenwich Village, where they embraced a bohemian lifestyle amidst the backdrop of political unrest and cultural upheaval. The narrative provides a contrast to Peter Jackson’s extensive series 'The Beatles: Get Back' by focusing on a shorter timeframe filled with vivid archival footage and audio snippets. Lennon emerges as a more approachable figure, showcasing his curiosity and engagement, while Ono is portrayed as an articulate artist rather than the negative stereotype often associated with her. Their move to New York is depicted as a rebirth, although the film is careful to navigate its storytelling through the lens of the Lennon estate, which may limit the exploration of certain personal challenges in their relationship, such as Lennon’s affair with May Pang and the couple's temporary marital difficulties.
The film adopts a nonlinear structure, interspersing footage from the 1972 One to One concert, which was Lennon’s last full performance, with various media clips from the era. This includes snippets from television shows and news segments that highlight the cultural and political landscape of the time, featuring figures like activist Jerry Rubin and the turmoil surrounding the Vietnam War. The fast-paced editing mirrors the couple's dynamic lifestyle and their engagement with a range of social issues, while also reflecting the chaotic nature of the American television landscape that was new to them. Although 'One to One' may not unveil groundbreaking revelations about Lennon, it successfully revitalizes his persona, offering a glimpse into his vibrant life and activism during a pivotal moment in history. The film resonates with the pulse of the era, presenting a collage of influences that shaped both Lennon and Ono, and ultimately invites viewers to appreciate their artistic and political contributions to society.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article provides a review of the documentary "One to One," focusing on John Lennon and Yoko Ono's lives post-Beatles. It highlights their activism, personal struggles, and artistic endeavors during their time in Manhattan, while contrasting this with the portrayal of Lennon in Peter Jackson's "The Beatles: Get Back."
Purpose of the Article
This review aims to familiarize audiences with a specific period in John and Yoko's lives, particularly emphasizing the more positive aspects of their personalities and contributions. By showcasing archival footage and personal insights, the article seeks to reshape public perception, moving away from the negative portrayals that have often surrounded Ono.
Public Perception
The narrative promotes a more nuanced understanding of Lennon and Ono, framing them as engaged and creative individuals rather than merely controversial figures. This approach potentially rekindles interest in their artistic output and activism, appealing to both long-time fans and new audiences who may not be familiar with their post-Beatles journey.
Concealment or Bias
While the documentary is presented as an intimate look at the couple, there is a possibility that it glosses over more complex or negative aspects of their lives during this time. The involvement of the Lennon estate suggests that some editorial control may have been exercised to maintain a favorable image of Lennon and Ono.
Manipulativeness and Trustworthiness
This article appears to have a moderate level of manipulativeness, primarily through its selective focus on positive aspects of Lennon and Ono's lives. The portrayal of Ono as an avant-garde artist seeking peace contrasts with her historical depiction as a divisive figure, which can be seen as an effort to reshape her legacy. The article's trustworthiness may be questioned due to the potential biases stemming from the estate's involvement.
Societal Impact
The documentary and its review could influence public discourse around artistic freedom, activism, and the legacies of iconic figures in music. It may inspire discussions about the role of artists in social movements, particularly in today's context where activism is paramount.
Target Audience
The article is likely to resonate with fans of classic rock, cultural historians, and individuals interested in social activism. It may also attract those who appreciate documentaries that provide an alternative perspective on historical figures.
Economic and Market Influence
While the documentary itself may not have direct implications for stock markets, it could influence memorabilia and music sales related to Lennon and Ono. Companies involved in producing or distributing their music and merchandise may see a rise in interest based on renewed public engagement.
Global Power Dynamics
The themes of peace and activism resonate with current global issues, particularly in contexts of conflict and social justice. By revisiting the past, the documentary may offer insights relevant to contemporary movements advocating for change.
Potential Use of AI
It is plausible that AI tools were employed in the documentary's editing process to curate archival footage, analyze themes, or even shape the narrative structure. However, the specific impact of AI on the article's writing is less clear. If AI was involved, it might have influenced the article's tone or focus, potentially steering it toward a more favorable portrayal of its subjects. In conclusion, the review of "One to One" serves to reshape the narrative surrounding John Lennon and Yoko Ono, emphasizing their artistic and activist contributions while downplaying the controversies. This approach may foster a renewed interest in their work and legacy, although the potential biases involved raise questions about the article's overall trustworthiness.