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Reviews
Let It Be (1970)
An uncomfortable look at The Beatles in the studio
I had heard of this movie for quite some time, and had always been curious about it. The idea of watching the rock and roll legends in the studio, recording wonderful tunes, sounded intriguing. I finally got my hands on it, and I can totally understand why they only release the Let it Be, Hey Jude and Rooftop concert footage.
From what I understand, this film was produced due to a contract deal that forced the Beatles into making five films, whether they wanted to or not. Following the disaster of the 'Magical Mystery Tour' film, it's no wonder the Beatles didn't take part in Yellow Submarine (which turned out to be a great film, second to A Hard Day's Night) I've read in various Beatle Biographies that Paul McCartney came up with the idea of having camera's installed in the studio. This turned out to be a bad idea.
The Beatles are aware of the cameras, which puts them in a VERY awkward mood. Ringo Starr is silent for most of the time, John Lennon is also quiet and George Harrison seems to fuss with Paul when he speaks. Oh, I almost missed Paul. He speaks endlessly, and makes big broad gestures, pretending to be the genius that we know he is, but coming across as rather full of himself. Camera's are set up for him when he stages Let it Be and Hey Jude, where he is seen staring obsessively at the camera. The camera work is smooth, and very professional. However, when the other Beatles sing a song, the camera is less focused, and more candid.
There is also constant, subtle bickering between Paul and George, and at times John.
It is wonderful to watch, but very sad to see them act this way together, because I had such a nice picture of them in my mind before i saw this. NOW I KNOW WHY THEY BROKE UP!
You'll enjoy the rooftop concert. That is the ONLY scene where all of them seem comfortable together. Well, there was a brief moment where Billy Preston showed up in the studio to play keyboards. They all behaved nicely at that point. I think it is mentioned in the Anthology video.
Still, if you did music, you'll have a good time watching, even if Paul gets a little too full of himself.
Simon and Garfunkel: Old Friends - Live on Stage (2004)
Though their voices have aged, the music is timeless.
Simon and Garfunkel need no introduction. The folk-rock pioneers who gave the world beauty and hope through songs such as 'Bridge Over Troubled Water' and 'Mrs. Robinson' decide to set aside their differences, and give fans a great show.
Back in the early 80's, the folk duo played a concert in central park, attracting hundreds of thousands of fans. A live album, film and tour followed. Though the performances were tight and their musical abilities were at their peak, they didn't seem to enjoy being together on stage, which somewhat spoiled most of the show for me. With Old Friends, they give a moving performance, and it's not just the fact that they're still singing their songs after all these years that gets me going, it's also the fact that they are singing them together and with pride and joy.
It was their surprise performance at the Grammies that forced them into a tour, with little hesitation i've heard.
They cover 20 plus career spanning hits including : I Am A Rock, Leaves That Are Green, America and The Boxer. Although their voices are not nearly as crisp and angelic as they were 40 years earlier, they still manage to hit the right chords, with the songs and the audience. My only complaint is the presence of a backing band. They do a great job, no doubt, but i've always been a fan of their acoustic only sets. There are perhaps 3 or 4 songs during the performance where this is the case, and it's quite moving seeing them in there old age singing their songs.
A surprise performance by the Everly Brothers halfway through the show gives us a reminder where Simon and Garfunkel's roots lie.
I recommend this DVD to anybody who is a fan of them. But if you aren't familiar with the two, then get yourself some of their greatest hits albums!
DVD bonuses include candid footage of performances during their 1970 special "Songs of America" as well as a photo gallery, and unreleased song "Citizen of the Planet"