The U.S. vs. John Lennon
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Movie Reviews of The U.S. vs. John Lennon
Movie Review: Great subject, okay movie
Summary: 4 Stars
I have to admit something: I wasn't a Beatles fan for awhile. Not in the meaning that I didn't like Beatles music but rather I just never listened to it. I was surrounded so much about TALK about how great they were that aside from the rare snippet, I never really heard much. One of the big figureheads and most likely one of the best songwriters in the group and rock world was John Lennon. But he's probably equally known for his political rallyings and cries for peace and it made him an unlikely threat to America's government.
His first big controversy was when he said in an interview that the Beatles were more bigger than Jesus popularity-wise or has Lennon himself put it: "we mean more to kids than Jesus does". This gets him in huge hot water with protests and record smashing that we later saw with the whole pope picture/Sinead O' Connor controversy. But it didn't stop there as the more political and socially outspoken he got, the more the government got annoyed. Talk of followers and wiretaps are thrown out and at one point, he was even considered being deported.
With Vietnam heavy in people's minds at the time, Lennon befriending outspoken people such as Abbie Hoffmann or urging the release of a man convicted of giving marijuana to an undercover cop seemed like a bit of a bad move. But in a way he knew how to push buttons as efficiently as possible. Who else would think of an idea of staging a bed-in, basically a whole week in bed which would get attention no matter how absurd an idea it is. Plus it helped he had some big protest songs such as Give Peace a Chance and what's most likely piano's answer to a beginner guitarist, that of Imagine. Why he would get such attention is beyond me but it's evidence of how I see America: if the words coming out of your mouth are even slightly left of "America rules" than you're in trouble.
The film as a whole on the other hand feels almost sluggish. It reminds me of one of those A&E documentaries I see where it helps to have commercial breaks now and then to break things up. The actual stuff being mentioned is interesting but it's presented in such a way that it seems like one of those educational videos professor's make you watch. Whereas other documentaries work as films as well as what the topic is, this seems like a great topic with a serviceable presentation. It's also got too much of an abrupt ending with of course the murder of Lennon but it comes and then it's like the film just ends without a kind of resolution for it; it almost feels more like a last-minute scene rather than a fully expanded on one.
For Beatles fans who have to devour everything, this is of course where to go. For people who are interested in just how misguided people in power are, this is a great place to see just how much they care about what they do, regardless if the so-called "enemy" sang a song called I Am the Walrus.
Movie Review: The U.S. vs. John Lennon
Summary: 5 Stars
This is an absolutely fabulous movie. It is amazing what lengths the government went to against John and the peace movement of the time. Sadly, it is still pertinent today.Movie Review: War is Over (if you want it)
Summary: 5 Stars
The U.S. vs. John Lennon is the kind of documentary that is just plain inspiring to watch. Filled with tons of archival footage of John Lennon and Yoko Ono during their protests for peace, as well as John steadily fighting his deportation charges, the film shows a man fighting a world-wide battle for peace.
At the risk of John Lennon being seen as some kind of holy myth of a man, The U.S. vs. John Lennon includes various interviews and clips describing him and his call for peace.
I'm no historian, so I can't speak to the validity of the information being shown and whether it misleads the viewer, but what I can say is that this film allows viwers to see the trials that a great man can be put through by a corrupt government that does not want a message of peace to be sent to the masses.
If you're interested at all in John Lennon, peaceful protest, the 60s, the 70s, the government, and any other range of topics, this documentary will be interesting to you and you will be glad you watched it.
The DVD has tons of extra footage that wasn't used but is interesting to watch.
Movie Review: Evolution of "Revolution"
Summary: 4 Stars
'The U.S. vs. John Lennon' is made in two parts: There are the newsreels and the interviews. Then, there are the references to his life and to his involvement in the protest movement. David Leaf's documentary wisely pieces together Lennon's life that made him a rebel and an activist--particularly for peace. Featuring interviews that are intersliced between the archives, everyone from fellow activists (Jerry Reuben, Ron Kovic) [author of 'Born on the Fourth of July'], Black Panthers (Angela Davis), journalists (Geraldo Rivera, Walter Cronkite) to former government agents during the Nixon Era (G. Gordon Liddy, John Dean) weigh in on Lennon's involvement, and how it effected him personally. It is helpful that his music and interviews shed light specifically on his peace stance. In the video clips Lennon expertly fields questions by the press.
Once Lennon's background is established for his motives, the film shows the anatomy of his protests, but leads us to the conflict between himself and the U.S. government, especially over his immigration battle. Admittedly, some of it is speculative, but much of the information is compelling, leading us to understand the personal toll Lennon took for his protest against the Vietnam War. In some ways his high profile shielded him from some harm, however, for when we see John Sinclair put in jail for ten years on marijuana possession, we understand authorities had to tread on eggshells with him. The best evidence is when they reveal John Lennon's Immigration and Naturalization file. The INS had tabs on him that went all the way to the White House. Lennon is on tape talking about being followed and his premises bugged. Add to that tapes of President Nixon where he states that entertainers "...make a personal sacrifice..." for their viewpoints and his approbation of J. Edgar Hoover, then it all adds up. (Not that anyone would be surprised by wiretapping from the Nixon Administration.)
Another document about John Lennon is always welcome. This video completes the gamut with revealing thoughts by thoughtful people who reconstruct an important aspect of Lennon's life with great finesse. With more to reveal, there is much more to ponder by seeing the video for yourself.
Movie Review: Courage is standing up for what's right in the face of Fear.
Summary: 5 Stars
A beautiful film about an amazing man. The universal message of John Lennon and what he stands for echos clearly against today's troubled world. We all know that war is not the answer but we can't seem to learn to live in peace.
Imagine,
Harve / Miami, FL