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The Beatles

The Beatles: Get Back – Pulling Back the Celebrity Curtain

November 25, 2021 by Steve Norton Leave a Comment

There are few bands as adored as the Beatles.

With a mere 12 studio albums under their belts, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr produced music so remarkable that it defined a generation of music lovers. Even now, after over 50 years and the passing of two original members, the fire for Liverpool’s mop-tops burns just as brightly as before.

Now, with the release of the new docuseries The Beatles: Get Back, audiences have the opportunity to travel back in time to the band’s 1969 recording sessions. With the goal of performing live for the first time in two years firmly in view, John, Paul, George and Ringo attempt to create an entirely new album in a mere 21 days. With such a daunting task putting incredible pressure on the Fab Four, tensions begin to mount, causing division and arguments between them. However, as a result of their commitment to both the creative process and one another, the ‘Get Back Sessions’ result in one of the music’s most iconic concerts: the live performance on the rooftop of Apple Studios.

Directed by Peter Jackson, The Beatles: Get Back is an extensive and expansive behind-the-scenes look at one of the greatest bands in music history. Although the series draws inspiration from Michael Lindsay-Hogg’s 1970 documentary of the project, Jackson manages to create something new by sitting more deeply within the moment. Having to choose from over 60 hours of footage and over 150 hours of unheard audio, Get Back massive length offers an intimate portrait of the creative process of the band like we’ve never seen before. 

While we’re familiar with their songs, there’s something special about watching them become the anthems that we know and love. Songs like ‘Get Back’, ‘Let It Be’ and ‘I’ve Got a Feeling’ didn’t simply drop out of the sky. (Well, there are some exceptions here, like Paul’s development of ‘Oh, Darling’ which seems to just… materialize.) Generally, there’s a push and pull that takes place within the creative process that Jackson highlights beautifully. By slowing down and allowing the footage to simmer, he reveals the comraderie that this group enjoyed when they were creating their best work. As the famed rooftop concert develops, the [rubber] soul of the group is exposed and we witness the magic they could make when working together.

Furthermore, even amidst the chaos of attempting to write 14 new songs in 3 weeks, there’s a playfulness that comes through in many of the practices. Yes, they had grown up and matured. Yes, they had changed. But still, Get Back provides glimpses of the boyish charm that defined them in their earliest years. Fully aware that their life as a band was beginning to come to an end, their desire seems to be to reclaim the fire that they once felt one more time. As a result, whether it’s non-sensical riffs and falsettos or simply relaxing by playing the hits of other musicians, there’s a joyfulness that shines through amidst the seriousness of the moment. 

Meanwhile, Jackson’s series also recognizes the tensions that were brewing behind the scenes. Moments such as Harrison’s brief attempt to leave the band, McCartney’s battle to have his own way and the struggle to accept the intensity of John and Yoko’s relationship during creative sessions offer a deeper picture of a band that has been studied for decades. (Incidentally, it’s worth noting that, while any edit of this type will skew the image in some ways, Get Back opens with text that insists that they’re doing their best to portray these icons in their truest forms.) 

In doing so, Jackson also exposes their shortcomings. Whereas pop culture has immortalized the names John, Paul, George and Ringo as examples of creative geniuses, so too were they simple boys from Liverpool who simply wanted to make music. Idolized by millions, they were also flawed and imperfect, squabbling amongst one another over who’s vision would become the final product. (This tension is particularly visible during the audio of a private conversation between McCartney and Lennon where they address Paul’s constant insistence on doing things his way.) As they work through their difficulties together, we begin to see past their celebrity status and focus increasingly on their desire to rediscover their passion for music (and each other). 

Now, having said this, it’s also worth noting that Get Back is likely not going to win over any new members to the Fab Four Fan Club. While the expanded footage is remarkable and revealing, so too does it move at its own pace. Repeated performances of half-finished songs and conversations about chord progressions may excite devotees but, without that prior passion for the group, it’s hard to imagine outsiders getting particularly excited about it. Throw in the fact that the series clocks in at an incredible 7 hours and 50 minutes and one could understand why the massive scope of this project with its slow tempo will make it a difficult ‘binge watch’ for the younger generation. (Yet, ironically, somehow the runtime seems appropriate considering Jackson’s repertoire for longer, more reflective pieces.)

Even so, there’s something truly special about Get Back. As a love letter to the Beatles, Jackson celebrates the originality and ingenuity of the team as they develop songs that will remain stalwarts for the next 50 years and more. However, at the same time, he also reveals their humanity, including the struggles and strains that can be felt as they work together under duress. By allowing their faults and failings to shine through, Jackson manages to pull back the curtain of celebrity and remind us that these were ultimately just boys who wanted to ‘get back to where they once belonged’.

The Beatles: Get Back is now playing on Disney+.

Filed Under: Disney+, Featured, Reviews, SmallFish Tagged With: Disney+, George Harrison, Get Back, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Peter Jackson, Ringo Starr, The Beatles, The Beatles: Get Back

Yesterday: Timeless Musical Truth

September 24, 2019 by Steve Norton Leave a Comment

Yesterday tells the story of Jack Malik (Himesh Patel), a struggling singer-songwriter who feels like his opportunities at success will never come, despite the devotion of his best friend and manager, Ellie (Lily James). However, after a freak bus accident during a mysterious global blackout, Jack awakens to realize that he is the only person alive that remembers the music of the Beatles. As he begins to play songs that the world has never heard by one of the greatest bands in history, Jack quickly gains notoriety as one of the great song-writers of his generation. Although, as his popularity explodes, soon questions mount as to whether he’s doing the right thing—and if he’s going to be exposed.

Directed by Danny Boyle (Slumdog Millionaire), Yesterday is a charming love song to the magic of the Beatles’ discography. Fun and lighthearted, the film comes in the middle of somewhat of a renaissance for films about classic rock icons. With films like Bohemian Rhapsody, Rocketman and more making their way to the big screen in the last 12 months, Yesterday ran the risk of becoming a forgettable entry in the midst of the overflow. However, thanks to an entertaining script that swerves in another direction than other more traditional biopics, Yesterday manages to sing a different tune. Relative newcomer Himesh Patel (Eastenders) is a joy to watch onscreen as the overwhelmed Jack, playing him with both humility and ambition. With a suitable backup band of supporting players including Kate McKinnon, Lily James and, most notably, a hilarious Ed Sheeran, the film weaves a story that is whimsical and enchanting.

Of course, the real star of the film is the Beatles discography itself and Yesterday showcases the talent of the Fab Four in a way that desperately wants to prove that their relevance in today’s music scene. Though one would hardly think that the Beatles had moved into obscurity, it could be argued that their impact isn’t recognized as much by younger fans. As such, Yesterday seeks—almost to a fault—to remind us of the enduring importance of songs such as ‘A Day in the Life’ or ‘Hey Jude’ (or ‘Hey Dude’, as Sheeran suggests). In fact, the film even uses Sheeran, one of today’s biggest stars, to validate the music by stating that he thinks the songs are the best he’s ever heard. 

As such, Yesterday speaks to the enduring power of music and its importance in a world looking for modern prophets. While using the Beatles as a backdrop, the film shows the impact of words written by those that have come before and how they continue to resonate in our modern culture. Held in high regard for his song-writing ability, Malik is constantly reminded that his own writings cannot compare to the classics that he’s giving to the world. Interestingly, the film also reinforces this when Malik has the opportunity to finally meet one of the Fab Four. In yet another testament to the words of the previous generation, the unexpected ‘cameo’ speaks to Jack about the power of truth and love in a way that leaves him changed and helps him decide on his future. In a poignant scene, yet again the past informs the present. 

The disc release features several notable special features including a surprisingly beautiful alternate ending, featurette on Sheeran’s role and deleted scenes. However, the most fun may be a few performances of Beatles tunes by Patel at Abbey Road Studios in London. By including these simple songs, the disc suitably bookends the sense of reality about the film by moving it beyond the narrative.

Entertaining, engaging and sweet, Yesterday is a feel-good comedy that speaks to the power of love and the value of those that came before. However, in the end, the greatest love song is the film itself, giving the music of the Beatles the power to change the world.

Yesterday is available on iTunes and Blu-Ray beginning Tuesday, September 24, 2019. 

Filed Under: DVD, Film Tagged With: Bohemian Rhapsody, Danny Boyle, Ed Sheeran, Himesh Patel, lily james, Rocketman, The Beatles, Yesterday

GIVEAWAY! Yesterday in 4K!

September 18, 2019 by Steve Norton 7 Comments

Bring home Yesterday tomorrow by voting today!

In Yesterday, Jack Malik (Hamish Patel) is a struggling singer-songwriter in an English seaside town whose dreams of fame are rapidly fading, despite the fierce devotion and support of his childhood best friend, Ellie. After a freak bus accident during a mysterious global blackout, Jack wakes up to discover that The Beatles have never existed. Performing songs by the greatest band in history to a world that has never heard them, Jack becomes on overnight sensation with a little help from his agent.

The winner will receive a copy of the Yesterday in 4K Ultra HD/Blu-ray Edition.

To enter, simply like or share our post on Facebook and answer the following question in the comment section: What is your favourite Beatles song and why?

For a bonus entry, like or share the post on Twitter and Instagram.

All entries must be completed by 11:59pm on Monday, September 23rd, 2019.

Yesterday will be released on Blu-Ray on Tuesday, September 24th, 2019

Filed Under: Reviews Tagged With: Danny Boyle, Hamish Patel, The Beatles, Yesterday

5.22 A Day in the Life of YESTERDAY

July 14, 2019 by Steve Norton Leave a Comment

In Danny Boyle’s YESTERDAY, it’s just another day in the life for struggling musician Jack Malik (Himesh Patel)… until he’s suddenly hit by a car. With a little help from his friends, Jack wakes up to discover that he is the only person left alive that remembers the music of the Beatles. Realizing that this music is his ticket to ride, Jack’s fame increases to global proportions… but will this paperback writer be revealed as a fraud? Or will he be able to let it be? This week, Steve, ScreenFish’r Shelley McVea and musician Dave Frazee come together to talk about whether the world really is better off with the music of the Beatles and what Jack really did wrong.

You can also stream the episode above on podomatic, Alexa (via Stitcher), Spotify or Soundcloud! Or, you can download the ep on Apple Podcasts or Google Play!

Want to continue to conversation at home?  Click the link below to download ‘Fishing for More’ — some small group questions for you to bring to those in your area.

5.22 YesterdayDownload

Filed Under: Film, Podcast Tagged With: Danny Boyle, Ed Sheeran, Himash Patel, james corden, John Lennon, kate mckinnon, lily james, music, The Beatles, Yesterday

The Story of Us – Ep. 3: Love Never Fails

October 26, 2017 by J. Alan Sharrer Leave a Comment

Turning on the television, reading the newspaper, or even browsing a news website these days is enough to fill a person with dread. Tensions between countries are escalating.  People are increasingly accusing others of things publicly (for better or worse).  Making a wrong move these days can result in viral videos and being hunted by a digital mob that has more presence by the hour. In a world filled with darkness and fear, what power does love have, if any?  In the third episode of The Story of Us (National Geographic, 9PM/8CT or on demand), Morgan Freeman explored some unique answers to the question that are worthy to be considered.

The episode began with Freeman recreating the Beatles’ famous walk across Abbey Road in England.  It made perfect sense, as the Beatles sang their famous tune “All You Need Is Love” to a worldwide audience around the time of Woodstock.  But were McCartney and the band correct? Freeman offered a number of vignettes providing challenging perspectives on what love truly is.  On a trip to Ethiopia, for example, he watched a tribe’s manhood ritual, one that involved women attempting to acquire the attention of boys by waving thin tree branches at them.  When a boy found the woman he wanted, he took the branch from her and hit her, causing potential scars on her back and side.  It was brutal to watch, but the reason for it involved love in the form of protection and unity.

Another segment of the episode found Freeman interviewing a Pakistani-born attorney living in England.  She thought she found Mr. Right on her own, but ended up divorcing him after a year.  Meanwhile, her parents back home attempted to play the role of Yente in Fiddler on the Roof, arranging a suitor and marriage for her with a man she met for thirty minutes while visiting the family in Pakistan. She married him; fifteen years and two kids later, they’re still happily together.

Love does not always have to involve romance, however.  The story of Major William Swenson’s determination and sacrifice to save a fellow member of his team in harm’s way during an ambush was powerful.  The point here was simple: the bond between members of a group (military or otherwise) can become so strong that the group loves each other enough to stand beside each other in both good times and bad.

Love can even hope to bring dignity to a person’s life who hasn’t seen it in a while.  One gentleman in London put his beliefs into action by taking his backpack and a stool into the streets in an attempt to provide homeless individuals haircuts and shaves.  Watching the transformation of a haggardly older man was visually eye-opening.

Of course, it’s easy to look at these examples and immediately think of the Apostle Paul’s famous commentary on love in 1 Corinthians 13: love doesn’t boast; it isn’t self-serving; it always protects; it never fails regardless of country or the people involved.  However, my biggest takeaway from the third episode came from the initial interview Freeman had with a gentleman in a quiet playground.   A few decades ago, Romania had an overglut of kids thanks to laws enacted by former dictator Nikolae Ceausescu requiring all families to have at least five offspring.  As a result, orphanges across the country were filled beyond the breaking point, both in number of kids and lack of workers. Conditions were beyond deplorable, with kids never seeing green grass or even the outside of the building. The gentleman being interviewed was able to get out of the orphanage to America through adoption, but when shown true love by his new parents, he simply couldn’t handle it; it was a foreign concept to him. He rebelled and ran away from his family, but later learned that one of his new sisters had been in a bad car accident.  And just like the prodigal son in Luke 15, he returned home to find his father with open arms, ready to receive him back with no conditions.

So, does love have power in this day and age? Absolutely!  We just have to be willing to slow down and look around a little bit. What we see may amaze us and perhaps transform our lives to be more loving and caring for those we hold dear—or even those we don’t know.

Filed Under: Reviews, Television Tagged With: 1 Corinthians 13, Fiddler on the Roof, Love, Morgan Freeman, National Geographic, Orphanage, Pakistan, prodigal son, Romania, The Beatles, The Story of Us, Willam Swenson, Woodstock, Yente

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