One to One: John & Yoko

One to One captures John Lennon at the height of his political activism, a time of his career that hasn't been shown, talked, or appreciated enough, what makes the documentary interesting is how it presents that chaotic period through a very specific lens, the perspective of two individuals, Lennon and Ono, shows it again how limited it shown only from the surrounding eyes of a rock star, not from the thousand of regular civilian in this nationwide political confict. The film handles its pacing and structure really well, especially with its creative channel-switching style that mimics the old television programs, something from the documentary that made One to One such a unique and really well made documentary, it doesn't repeat or use the same old boring repetitive interview based documentary format, it creates its own style, and it works. The film is filled with incredible footage from Lennon's One to One concert (i wish there was even more of it), fascinating personal phone recordings and conversation, and compelling archival footage from the era, everything blends together perfectly. It is at the end, feels more like a political theme documentary rather than a documentary about a Beatle, but you can sort of get both from it, also from Lennon both sides, the activist and the artist, i was just fascinated by it all the way through, One to One is simply amazing.

The title refers to the only full-length concert that John Lennon did after leaving the Beatles. It was at Madison Square Garden in 1972, but this film covers lots more. One thing that makes it stand out is that every musical number is performed in its entirety… not just a verse/chorus then more soundbites. There’s also lots of additional footage from John and Yoko’s time in New York, including their protests and their Village apartment. It also features lots of additional historical clips that reflect the political culture of the time. The highlight is seeing Lennon and his band performing and the cause for the concert isn’t revealed until near the end, presenting some devastating footage of institutionalized children. It’s even more moving when they’re brought to Central Park for a day of fun, while Lennon sings “Imagine” (tears guaranteed). The political reflections are even more relevant today, while offering one more chance to enjoy the couple’s activism and affection.