Film Reviews

The US vs John Lennon

• Rating:
• Director:
• Starring: John Lennon
• Details: US / 99mins (PG).

It's well put together, it's entertaining, it's slick; but the US VS John Lennon is a Double Fantasy-era John Lennon documentary - safe, reliable and secure in the knowledge that fans will see it anyway, even if it does get bad reviews. Chronicling the U.S. government's covert campaign against The Beatles' most outspoken and political-minded member, the documentary is a series of talking heads, who regale us with stories of John Lennon during his controversial 1972 tour. We're told that he was witty, arrogant, naive and aggressive - no shit, Sherlock, we knew that already. Nixon, allegedly, had Lennon's phone bugged, had henchmen follow his every move, and had an unsuccessful attempt at having him deported. Directors Leaf and Scheinfeld don't really open any cans of worms or push the boundaries, which, I get the feeling, would disappoint their subject matter. The problem with documentaries like this is that they are preaching to the choir: fans will know all this stuff already, and those who don't wouldn't really be interested in finding out. The question remains: what would Lennon himself think? I'm guessing that 1972 Lennon would find it too safe, but 1980 Lennon would find it enjoyable. But that's just a guess.

Review by Gavin Burke