Movie Review: One on One: John and Yoko – A Timeless Journey into Activism and Art
One on One: John and Yoko (2024), directed by the acclaimed Kevin Macdonald and co-directed by Sam Rice-Edwards, offers a profound and stirring look at the lives of two iconic figures—John Lennon and Yoko Ono. This documentary deftly intertwines their artistic pursuits with their passionate activism during a time of social upheaval in America. If you’re looking for a film that examines the intersection of music, love, and political commitment, your search ends here.
A World Revisited: Historical Resonance
In an era echoing sentiments of division and discontent, the film opens with poignant phrases that resonate strongly today: “America’s going through a dark period! The country has never been more divided! Power to the people!” These are not mere archival echoes of the past; they are call-to-action sentiments that reverberate in today’s socio-political climate.
The film offers a snapshot of the late 1960s to early 1970s, a whirlwind of protest and cultural change. While watching, it’s impossible not to draw parallels between the struggles faced in Richard Nixon’s America and those we see today. The filmmakers have curated a compelling narrative that brings forth both nostalgia and a sense of urgency for contemporary viewers.
A Personal Touch: Inside Their Greenwich Village Apartment
For 18 months, Lennon and Ono took refuge in a modest apartment in Greenwich Village, transforming the space into a vibrant hub for artists and activists alike. The film features a meticulously constructed replica of their apartment, allowing viewers an intimate glimpse into the couple’s sanctuary. Here, they would absorb the world around them, ponder societal injustices, and craft music that dismantled barriers.
One pivotal moment captured in the film is when Lennon and Ono advocate for John Sinclair—a man sentenced to ten years for the simple act of enjoying marijuana. Their rallying performance for Sinclair proves the power music can wield in the face of adversity, marking a historical event where active engagement led to real change.
Unveiling Unseen Footage: The Madison Square Garden Concert
The film’s structure is anchored by Lennon’s benefit concert at Madison Square Garden, held on August 30, 1972. This concert was not merely a performance; it symbolized Lennon’s enduring commitment to social justice after The Beatles era. Footage from the concert, interspersed with evocative memories, proposes a beautiful tapestry of music and activism.
Between the reels of iconic performances, historical newsreels also flicker, capturing events like the notorious bank robbery that inspired Dog Day Afternoon and the controversial political landscape of the time. The film presents a candid perspective of a society in flux, drawing from seemingly chaotic elements to weave a powerful narrative.
A Unique Film Style: Surreal and Temporal
One to One: John and Yoko engages viewers through an unconventional editing technique that resembles a feverish channel surfer, zapping through different moments of history. Each transition serves to highlight the visceral impact of the social movements occurring alongside Lennon and Ono’s journey, creating a vibrant yet disorienting experience akin to their lives.
The documentary sheds light on forgotten figures like David Peel, a musical innovator whose works, including the audacious Have a Marijuana, add layers to the rich historical context of Lennon’s life during this period. This eclectic mixture of voices allows the documentary to transcend the conventional rock biopic, rooting it firmly in the socio-political fabric of the time.
Conclusion: More than a Documentary
Diving deeper than mere celebrity, One to One: John and Yoko stands as a testament to a time when art was synonymous with activism. It serves to remind us that, just as America weathered the turbulence of the Vietnam War and the Nixon presidency, today’s challenges too shall pass.
As the film closes, we’re left with stirring lines penned by Allen Ginsburg and Ono that candidly critique America’s excesses and unresolved conflicts, provoking thought long after the screen fades to black.
So grab your popcorn and prepare for a cinematic experience that transcends generations—it’s a film that not only chronicles the past but also ignites hope for the future. One to One: John and Yoko is a must-see for anyone interested in the powerful intersections of art, activism, and human connection.
