Untitled Document
Forty years ago the Beatles changed music for the
second time with the release of Sgt.
Pepper’s Lonely
Hearts Club Band, and it still tops lists as
the greatest album ever recorded. I would choose The White Album as their greatest,
but Sgt. Pepper is nothing to scoff at. The Beatles, in their short span, left behind an
incredible legacy, including several worthy films.
A Hard Day’s Night (1964) coincided with the beginning of the invasion they ignited, and it is
the quintessential rock-band vehicle. Purporting to be a behind-the-scenes
look at the group, Richard Lester’s romp mixes cinéma vérité filmmaking with comedic silliness that forever endeared the Fab Four to the
public. Not only did they create incredible music, but they were also
charming, witty, and not above being completely goofy. There is simply no
greater introduction to a musical act on film. Despite attempts by others,
no one came close. I wouldn’t trade a moment from A Hard Day’s Night for all the
Elvis movies combined. Help (1965) reteamed the Beatles with Lester but not quite with
the same brilliance. The air of reality is replaced by James Bond-style
spoofery as a religious sect targets Ringo, who is wearing one of their
cherished sacrificial rings. As the Beatles’ music evolved into psychedelia,
their movies shifted into the realm of surrealism. The classic album Magical Mystery Tour became
the basis for a bizarre television movie from 1967. A strange bus trip is
interrupted by comic vignettes and music videos. The humor may remind
people of Monty Python, but this one came first. Ignore the awful reviews.
This is one of the finest visualizations of Beatles music. The
Beatles’ first U.S. visit is the subject of the comedy I Wanna Hold Your Hand (1978).
Obsessed fans storm the group’s hotel, hoping to catch a glimpse of
their idols. Director Robert Zemeckis made his feature debut with this very
funny slapstick farce.
In 1963, before that first U.S. visit, George
Harrison spent a little time here in Illinois. Details of that event are
chronicled in the documentary A Beatle in
Benton, Illinois (1996), made by Springfield
writer/filmmaker Bob Bartel. The small budget wouldn’t allow for
actual footage or music of the Beatles, but you can get that anywhere. The
focus is on informative interviews with the locals who reminisce about
their encounters with the “quiet Beatle.” The DVD can be
purchased at www.mvdb2b.com. Now, will someone please release Let It Be (1970)?
New on DVD this Tuesday (June 26): Black Snake Moan, Shooter, Pride, and Peaceful Warrior.
This article appears in Jun 14-20, 2007.
