Yesterday I saw the animated classic Yellow Submarine.
It's been 50 years since the film was first released and the anniversary this summer brings a glorious new 4k restoration to theaters worldwide. The Beatles always seem to reappear when we need them most.
The premise of the film is simple: Blue Meanies (short, round creatures with yellow teeth) hate the power of music, so they invade Pepperland. The conductor escapes into a Yellow Submarine to seek The Beatles' help.
But really, it's about the music.
11 classic Beatles tunes set to beautiful, hilarious (sometimes even heartbreaking, in the case of "Eleanor Rigby") imagery that moves from psychedelic to reality and back. Even if the movie had no plot, the musical sequences would be worth the price of admission, but lucky for us we get both. The result is a charming, witty, snapshot of a moment-in-time that leaves those of us who weren't even alive when it was released aching to return to it.
As one of the fab four states in the film, "Nothing is Beatle-proof."
Thankfully, that includes our hearts.
~~~
Showing posts with label 50th anniversary. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 50th anniversary. Show all posts
Sunday, July 15, 2018
Saturday, July 05, 2014
A Hard Day's Night
Today I saw A Hard Day's Night, which has been restored for its 50th anniversary.
The 1964 classic, which could have been named for another Beatles hit, "A Day in the Life," shows just that as it follows the four most famous men in the world around on a 'show day.' Though not a documentary, the parallels between the real lives of the stars and their fictitious counterparts cannot be understated.
At this time in their lives, John, Paul, George and Ringo most certainly had screaming girls chasing them around every corner and most definitely made light of their unprecedented circumstances with sharp sarcasm. This, along with a clean grandfather, an important concert gig, a spirited train ride, a dance club and a wandering Ringo round out the main activities in the film, not one of them bordering on dull.
I think what I love most about this movie is the joy.
The men are still boys—barely scratching the surface of their talent—but they're already dominating the world. They've amplified England and cheered up a sad America in the wake of their president's assassination. They've created the happiest, catchiest, music around, and its melodies are infectious.
It's hard not to smile while you watch A Hard Day's Night.
Aside from the clever dialog, the abundance of brilliant music is its greatest asset. Though the live tracks at the end bring the true crescendo of 'happy,' there are several performances sprinkled throughout to keep even the most hungry of fans satisfied.
Seeing this restored version, with digital restoration approved by its original director, is a cinematic feast for the eyes and ears not to be missed.
~~~
The 1964 classic, which could have been named for another Beatles hit, "A Day in the Life," shows just that as it follows the four most famous men in the world around on a 'show day.' Though not a documentary, the parallels between the real lives of the stars and their fictitious counterparts cannot be understated.
At this time in their lives, John, Paul, George and Ringo most certainly had screaming girls chasing them around every corner and most definitely made light of their unprecedented circumstances with sharp sarcasm. This, along with a clean grandfather, an important concert gig, a spirited train ride, a dance club and a wandering Ringo round out the main activities in the film, not one of them bordering on dull.
I think what I love most about this movie is the joy.
The men are still boys—barely scratching the surface of their talent—but they're already dominating the world. They've amplified England and cheered up a sad America in the wake of their president's assassination. They've created the happiest, catchiest, music around, and its melodies are infectious.
It's hard not to smile while you watch A Hard Day's Night.
Aside from the clever dialog, the abundance of brilliant music is its greatest asset. Though the live tracks at the end bring the true crescendo of 'happy,' there are several performances sprinkled throughout to keep even the most hungry of fans satisfied.
Seeing this restored version, with digital restoration approved by its original director, is a cinematic feast for the eyes and ears not to be missed.
~~~
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