It's not October, the month of John Lennon's birthday, or December, the month in which he died. Yet PBS is airing two films about John Lennon in two days. Great for fund raising, but an interesting contrast in styles for Lennon fans. And there's definitely a choice to be made.
First up is "Lennon Naked," which airs tonight (Nov. 21). You can read our earlier review, but it really should have been called "Lennon P.O'd," because that's all his character is throughout. Christopher Eccleston ("Doctor Who") plays Lennon and not all that badly. It's the script that's the real problem. Naoko Mori co-stars as Yoko Ono and shows how tough it is to play her accurately being that she's such a unique personality. Mori just doesn't catch it. Her performance lacks the charisma the real Yoko exhibits.
Next is "LENNONYC," which airs Monday. You can read our review here. This is, by far, the better of the two films. It has more depth since it's composed of reminiscences of people who knew John. It also has newly uncovered audio and video, some of which even caught Yoko by surprise. If you have to choose, this is the one to watch.
Our previous columns on each:
- REVIEW: 'LENNONYC' a vivid portrait of John Lennon in his post-Beatles years
- EXCLUSIVE: Writer-director says 'LENNONYC' reveals private side of John Lennon
- REVIEW: BBC's 'Lennon Naked' TV movie barely tells the former Beatle's full story
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Comments
Thanks for the heads up Steve, I only had LennoNYC programed into my DVR ..I'll make up my own mind myself regarding the quality of each program. :)...Can't wait !!!!
Sure thing, RS. I'm just being my usual Beatles Examiner self. :) In fact, I'd be interested in what anyone else thinks of either show.
I'm hoping for the best on LENNONYC...hated both Lennon Naked and Nowhere Boy. Maybe third times the charm?
I think you'll like it, Pattie, and I'd love to hear what you think after you see it.
Steve...Thanks for the 'heads up'! Might pass on "Lennon Naked" and watch NFL Football! Looking forward to "LennonNYC" on Monday night!
Of the 2 films, I liked "Lennon Naked" better. The problem with Lennon Naked is it's one dimensional, John's pissed off 24/7 in this one, but seemed pretty factual, it's just what happened to the rest of his personality, the upbeat goofball joking, the talent that rote all the classics. Also the actor was way too old to play John the Beatle. The other film was almost boring, showing pretty much the same old stuff save for the spectacular print of the John Sinclair rally. The Film Nowhere Boy was a complete winner for me, it was lively and mostly factual, yeah I know he didn't punch Paul, but he was involved in fights and I believe some facts were condensed due to time constraints of the movie, very enjoyable though, I'm buying the DVD.
I think you're the first one I've read that liked LN over "LENNONYC."
This is all like the Star Wars trilogy now. "Nowhere Boy" is the first movie, then "Backbeat", then "Lennon Naked", then "LennonNYC". Just thinking what that would be like to watch all at once some weekend afternoon!
There's also "John and Yoko: A Love Story," "The Hours and Times," "Two of Us" ... you could be at the TV for quite a while. :)
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