Have you noticed the recent trend in IMAX movies geared toward the Boomer generation? Last month, we had the new Led Zeppelin doc, “Becoming Led Zeppelin,” which covers the band up to 1970. Next week brings a restoration of the 1972 doc, “Pink Floyd: Live at Pompeii.”
Opening this week is “One to One: John & Yoko,” a film about the only full concert that John Lennon gave once he left the Beatles. Directed by Kevin Macdonald (Sam Rice-Edwards receives a co-director credit), it features restored footage of that August 30, 1972, concert in New York City, as well as a meticulous recreation of the West Village apartment Lennon and Yoko Ono shared when they moved to Manhattan in 1971.
Please don’t be offended by my opening question. I think it’s refreshing that there’s fare for those outside movie theaters’ most desired market of 12-34 year olds. I’m sure there are discerning people in that age bracket who would enjoy the aforementioned movies, just as I’m sure there are older folks who enjoyed “A Minecraft Movie.”
But let’s be real here. To fully enjoy these movies, I think you had to be there when their events occurred. Watching the footage, I got the sense I was missing out big time because I lacked the nostalgia factor.
So, the rest of this review has been rated NC-55. If you’re under 55, please leave now. Don’t worry, I’m coming with you, because I am not old enough to read my own review.
But seriously, I stall because it’s incredibly difficult to review footage of a concert. How do I describe the music so you can hear it? My critical suggestion has always been that if you like the performer, just go see the film. Watching the late Lennon perform songs like “Instant Karma!,” and hearing him talk about a variety of topics, is well worth your hard earned money if you’re a fan. His collaborations with Ono are also shown, proving just how influential she was to his music.
What makes “One to One: John & Yoko” unique and absorbing is Macdonald’s approach to the material. Lennon once talked about how much he loved watching American television in the small apartment he and Ono shared. This documentary has the feel of someone flipping channels nonchalantly, and everything they turn to is an interesting watch.
We hear numerous phone calls from Lennon and Ono, and we see footage of them from their hosting duties on the Mike Douglas Show back in 1972. Everything we learn about the duo comes directly from them, either in private or public conversation. There are also clips of the events of the time, from Shirley Chisholm’s run for president to the Vietnam War that Lennon and Ono protested so fervently.
I was stunned by how much of this movie could have taken place today. For example, Macdonald documents how Nixon tried to have Lennon deported because of Lennon’s criticism of his presidency. Activists were fighting for women’s and gay rights, and abortion was a hot topic. This seemingly cyclical turn of events 50 years later gave me an uneasy feeling, which I believe the filmmakers were aiming for with the footage.
Her detractors may disagree, but I found Ono to be a fascinating presence here. Granted, her music is a taste I haven’t acquired, but when she’s talking or showing her art, I was intrigued. She’s the heart of this film, and quite possibly its backbone. The story of Ono trying to find and reunite with Kyoko, her estranged daughter from her second marriage, is powerful and engrossing.
Lest I forget, “One to One: John & Yoko” is a concert film. The music will please fans and perhaps create some new ones, but the most moving moment in the film is when you discover why Ono and Lennon put the concert on in the first place. I won’t spoil the reveal outside of saying that Geraldo Rivera had something to do with it.
I’m a little envious that my Mom’s generation is getting better movies than my generation is. Perhaps this is instant karma getting me.
★★★
ONE TO ONE: JOHN & YOKO
Directed by Kevin Macdonald. Co-directed by Sam Rice-Edwards. Starring John Lennon, Yoko Ono. At AMC Boston Common, Coolidge Corner, suburbs. 100 min. R (war footage, profanity)
Odie Henderson is the Boston Globe's film critic.