A Deep Dive into One to One: John & Yoko – An Intimate Post-Beatles Exploration
John Lennon and Yoko Ono– two names inseparable yet frequently misunderstood. In the new documentary, One to One, co-directed by renowned filmmakers Kevin Macdonald and Sam Rice-Edwards, we are thrust into their world during a pivotal time in the 1970s. Greenwich Village, vibrant activism, the haunting backdrop of Vietnam, and the looming figure of Richard Nixon serve as a canvas for the compelling story that unfolds—a story richer and more intimate than many could imagine.
A Sweet Contrast to The Beatles: Get Back
Unlike the exhaustive depth of Peter Jackson’s epic series The Beatles: Get Back, which meticulously dissected the band’s last album Let It Be over eight extensive hours, One to One takes a different approach. The film encapsulates an 18-month journey post-Beatles that offers a dynamic and engaging narrative, weaving together archival footage and candid moments from the couple’s lives between 1971 and 1972.
The Birth of a New Era
By 1971, Lennon and Ono had transcended their time with The Beatles. They relocated to a modest two-room apartment in the artistic heart of Manhattan, Greenwich Village. Here, we encounter a differently reimagined Lennon—more buoyant, engaged, and refreshingly curious. In stark contrast to his often guarded persona in Get Back, this Lennon beams with a childlike energy, eager to embrace new possibilities.
Ono, often cast aside as the notorious “Yoko who broke The Beatles” in pop culture narratives, is given newfound recognition as a visionary artist. The film portrays her as thoughtful and articulate, grappling with the complexities of life under public scrutiny. Their New York move signifies not just a geographical shift, but a profound rebirth.
Unearthing Revelatory Moments
Richly layered with never-before-seen content, the film captures a treasure trove of intimate recordings, including their candid phone conversations—Lennon’s response to suspected surveillance that drives him to document his life.
The heart-pounding segments from Lennon’s last complete live performance at Madison Square Garden in 1972 are electrifying, showcasing his unforgettable rendition of “Come Together,” which will leave viewers cheering. Yet, there lies a sense of frustration as the film glosses over more challenging aspects of their relationship—such as the ephemeral estrangement and Lennon’s affair with May Pang.
"The film’s rattling pace and haphazard focus reflect the couple’s voracious appetite for ideas and issues."
A Kaleidoscopic Cultural Journey
The film adopts an experimental and frenetic style that mirrors the cultural zeitgeist of the era. Rich with snippets from American television of the ’70s, the documentary melds their life narrative with a broader commentary on the society they inhabited. A historic backdrop of social upheaval is intertwined with glimpses of activists like Jerry Rubin, and iconic faces of the counterculture movement, suggesting that Lennon and Ono were not just passive observers, but active participants in the discourses shaping their world.
Amidst engaging segments of television advertising and game shows, the film reflects on the stark contrasts of high and low culture capturing an era marked by turmoil and transformation.
An Raucous and Relevant Tale
As we watch, it becomes clear that One to One dives deeper than mere biographical insights. It stitches together a vibrant tapestry of sound and imagery that connects the personal to the political, urging viewers to recognize the symbiotic relationship between the couple’s art and their socio-political activism. A parallel emerges with Todd Haynes’ thrilling documentary The Velvet Underground, where rich cultural contexts illuminate the band’s legacy.
Macdonald’s distinctive jarring editing style competently beckons viewers into the frenzy of ideas and experiences that defined Lennon and Ono’s lives. They embraced the chaos of the time, leaving both exhilarating and tragic imprints on the cultural landscape.
Conclusion: A Bracingly Alive Testament
While One to One may not unveil an unprecedented narrative about John Lennon, it pulsates with a lively vibrance that is hard to resist. The film encapsulates an important moment in both music and activism, reminding us that Lennon, liberated from The Beatles, was not merely a pop icon but a dynamic personality exploring a world anew.
One to One serves as a heartfelt and robust tribute, breathing new life into the legacy of John Lennon and Yoko Ono, ensuring that their message of peace and exploration resonates with both ardent fans and newfound friends alike.
For more insights into this exploration of a legendary partnership, discover Kevin Macdonald’s perspectives here.
