Get Back

A while back, Donna and I watched a documentary produced by Peter Jackson, the director best known for his work with The Lord of the Rings series. The special, which streamed on The Disney Plus platform, was called "Get Back." It featured footage that had been shot in 1969 during The Beatles recording of their last record. The plan then was to create a television special that would air at the same time the record would be released. That plan never materialized and a large televised concert became Plan 'B.' That too was scraped and the closest thing they came to producing, in the way of film, was the now famous impromptu rooftop concert above their Apple Record Studios in London. Jackson took all that footage and created this new documentary and it is nothing less than fascinating. 

Much has been written about the infighting that was going on during those final weeks of the band and you certainly feel the tension to a degree. However, you also see the friendship, camaraderie and respect the boys had for one another. They were British, so even their squabbles are filled with good manners and self restraint. 

One of the most spectacular aspects of the documentary is watching the construction of these famous songs. While producers, engineers, attorneys and tech crews are sitting around discussing the television special, the album, the concert and the like - Paul McCartney is over in the corner writing "Let It Be" - arguably one of the greatest songs of all time. As the cameras roll, we see Paul come in with the early workings of "Get Back" where, originally the JoJo character in the song had a last name - JoJo Jackson! We watch George Harrison introduce his idea for "Something In the Way She Moves" and we hear him ask John for advise on writing the line "attracts me like no other lover." Since he doesn't have those words yet, John encourages him to just use words that fit until he gets it. Suggesting, "Moves me like a cauliflower!" Their writing process is mesmerizing! 

I've always enjoyed the Beatles music, although it was released much earlier than my impressionable years. There is no arguing the point that their music laid the foundation for modern popular music. Getting to see some of that music created in this way was a real treat! Thank you Mr. Jackson!