The legendary 1969 album Imagine as well as the unique relationship between John Lennon and Yoko Ono are given an intriguing reflection on this 113 minute documentary directed by Michael Epstein and produced by Peter Worsley. If you’re a Beatles fan, you’ll be fascinated by the intimate never-before-seen film footage of not only John and Yoko at their post-Beatle estate, but the fascinating behind-the-scenes recording on film capturing not only producer Phil Spector, but musician guests including George Harrison, Alan White and Klaus Voormann.
The latter two are among the many that are interviewed about the session and the state of politics, music and marriage between John and Yoko. Son Julian Lennon gives important perspective of the time period in which his father melded art, political activism about the Vietnam War and Richard Nixon into his worldview. The film accurately captures the vibe of the time, and the reason for John Lennon’s passion about so many things, ranging from his relationship to Paul McCartney (captured in the recording of “How Do You Sleep”) to his romance with Yoko Ono (likewise “Oh Yoko”) as well as the creation and recording of the iconic secular/humanist song “Imagine” (which I’ve never really understood. What hope do you give to a quadriplegic or someone who lost a relative in the holocaust if there is “no heaven”?)
This important film demonstrates the attitude of a true artist, in that Lennon takes his art and causes seriously, but never himself. The added footage of raw studio mixes of tunes such as “How Do You Sleep?” and “Oh My Love” just add to the reason to put this on your shelf next to your Beatles catalogue.