Stuart Sutcliffe - The Lost Beatle

"All my dreams come true..."

STUART SUTCLIFFE: THE LOST BEATLE highlights the life and short-career of one of The Beatles' founding members, Stuart Sutcliffe. This is one of rock and roll music's subtle mysteries about the first bass player of the band who carried a James Dean-like persona, but was poetic as he was artistic. His life ended tragically at the age of 22 years old as a result of a brain hemorrhage, which may have been caused by a blow to the head. However, through interviews of family, Stu's sister, Pauline Sutcliffe and Astrid Kirchherr and friends, Klaus Voorman, Tony Sheridan, Allan Williams, and Rod Murray, who knew him, there still exists skepticism to what may have truly happened between childhood friend, John Lennon and Stu, which may or not be linked to Stu's illness.

Nonetheless, the documentary is impressive and well done. Director Steve Cole and Producer Chris Hunt, and the editors and researchers do a good job beautifully displaying the life of one of the lesser-known Beatle. The photographs, artwork, and quotes from letters are interspersed within the film by and of Astrid Kirchherr and Stu are quite revealing, and undoubtedly show Stu's contribution to the art world. Indeed, there did exist a bulk of creative spirit behind those brooding eyes who produced avant-garde and modern abstract artwork filled with a range of emotions, and those closest to him, such as his sister Pauline, still wonder what he may have been thinking of when he painted the pieces.

Overall, the documentary provides a balanced history of the early Beatles years and the memory of Stuart Sutcliffe. Although no original Beatle tracks are played, Beatles imitators, The Prellies, exceptionally provides the soundtrack to the film to capture the energy and sound of the period. And ironically, the documentary concludes with John Lennon's "Jealous Guy." For those who still cannot get enough of Beatles history, this is a nice addition to one's collection.
September 24, 2007

Could have been so much MORE!

This gives the initial viewer a sense of what the original Beatles bass player was like. But I felt with all the exceptional interviewees that we would learn a lot more. And there just were NOT enough photos of Sutcliffe to see who he really was. The same old photos -- no movies exist of him -- at least that is what has been said. Astrid Kircherr took thousands of photos of him with the Beatles but has only released a few. For someone involved in this project one would have thought that she'd have opened up her files and show them.
February 7, 2007

Founding Father

This film about original Beatles member Stuart Sutcliffe was manna to a baby boomer Beatlemaniac like myself, who was 13 when Hard Day's Night was released. At that time the Beatles were much more than a top band; they WERE us, representing and leading all our creative urges, anti-establishment feelings, desire for something new, different, hip. And the imagery was (like much of the film's imagery) in black and white: the movie, Pop Weekly magazine, tv appearances, newspaper photos. Black Cuban-heeled boots, black narrow knitted ties, black polo neck sweaters, grey mohair suits.

Stuart Sutcliffe's contribution to the Beatles was considerable. A highly talented artist and creator, he bolstered John's considerable imagination and lent an artsy, more sophisticated influence to what could otherwise have conceivably remnained just another garage band. It was Stuart who bonded with Hamburg hipsters Astrid and Klaus Voorman (who drew the cover of Revolver); the impact of this pair on the band was significant. There's a reason he's on the cover of Sgt. Pepper, unlike the unfortunate Pete Best.

It was quite a treat to see Tony Sheridan - the celebrated bad influence and main attraction on the Beatles' first ever recording - looking very well, given his reputation at that time as a speed and alcohol maniac guitarist. Astrid herself of course is present, as well as Klaus Voorman, Allan Williams, their first manager, Horst Fascher, killer bouncer and Beatles protector at the Hamburg clubs, and other figures from that misty past. If you enjoyed the Beatles biography Shout - to my mind the best book written about them - you'll find the film enthralling.

Also included, a very interesting gallery of Stuart's art, much of it from the Hamburg days, and VERY good.

July 27, 2006

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