The U.S. vs. John Lennon (2006)

 A generally good and endearing Love-Fest posing as a serious documentary
I saw this documentary when it initially came out. It works partially as an expose on the history of Mr. Lennon's legal entanglements, but it becomes too much of everyone's commentary on the times and his music. If it's to focus on his legal issues as the title conveys, then let it focus on that. It does add the gratuitous Beatles video and some pretty rare early '70s concert footage documenting John's anti-war stance and the Attica-era music, but there's already numerous documentaries that this would be better used in.

Being done from Yoko's loving perspective is quite evident; I'm a huge Beatles fan and enjoyed Lennon's music, but I also know he had many personal insecurities, often publically rude/violent when drunk, a heavy drug-user, and of course beat his first wife and ignored Julian. Does this have bearing on the subject matter..? Not in relation to the legal issues which persecuted his stay, but it's as much relevant as some of the glossy praise that occasionally smothers what would have otherwise been a facinating look at the US Legal system, and why the White House had him on their 'hit list'.

In interviews in the late '70s, Lennon claimed that the only reason he delved into the politics during this era was because he felt guilty about being a rich rockstar. Plus in some Lennon books, it's indicated that he kept all the royalties for these songs. Very talented, funny and at times, loving and tender-hearted, but hardly the 'Working Class Hero'..

March 18, 2008

 wow
i had no idea. Nixon had nothing better to do than to hunt a musician? March 14, 2008

 Rethinking the Life of a Great Spiritual Prophet
This is a terrific glimpse of John and Yoko in the heart of the peace movement, reinterpreting their role in a fresh way.

The political footage is amazing -- from an anti-war rally at the University of Michigan to scenes from the Democratic convention in Chicago. And so is the soundtrack, filled with some of Lennon's most memorable music.

I think the film is such a fascinating slice of our often-confused cultural history that it would be an ideal discussion starter in small groups -- especially in adult discussion groups in churches. Lennon's rhetoric often seemed diametrically opposed to faith -- at least organized religion in the U.S. -- but, at the root of it, his cleansing of the rhetoric may have been a spiritually prophetic voice that we're only now coming to appreciate.

Released in 2006, the film runs 96 minutes. February 16, 2008

 My recollection
I actually purchased this movie to show to the tenants in a supportive housing apartment building. Although this was a documentary, they thoroughly enjoyed the film. In fact, at the end, when you heard the gunshots, it brought tears to some peoples' eyes. January 7, 2008

 John Lennon exposed
This film, turned me off of John somewhat, He talked peace and nonviolence yet He gives Bobby Seales airtlme and ls freinds with the Chigago 7 these were terror leaders. All John had to do was send in a post card to INS. He wanted a fight and backed by the media and the anti war movement He pushed the limits and fooled His fans. The Bed in was cool, but sadly the impact faded to quickly. This is a good documentry it gives an honest look at John. December 27, 2007

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