Arts & Culture

Beatles ’64
What: Movie, 96 mins.
When: Fri., Nov. 29
Where: Disney+
Genre: Rockumentray
Rating: NNNN (out of 5)
Why you should watch: Revealing, raw footage of The Beatles as they first arrive in America including amazing fan footage and reactions that resonates today as Taylor Swift-mania rages across the planet

MORE THAN JUST Baby Boomer Bliss, director David Tedeschi uses footage from brilliant documentary filmmakers Albert and David Maysles (Gimme Shelter, Monterey Pop) who followed The Beatles behind the scenes and onstage with their raw and honest view of the two weeks the Fab Four debuted in the US, including on The Ed Sullivan Show, conquering America along the way.

Beatles ’64 is packed with Maysles brothers’ trademark rough-edged and revealing footage, the band clearly comfortable wth the filmmakers, occasionally breaking the fourth wall. As the bandmates bop into limos, wise-ass through press conferences and marvel at the  fans hurling themselves at them, the film is reminiscent of The Beatles’ debut movie, A Hard Day’s Night, only this time, the action is real.

Trapped in New York’s Park Plaza Hotel by screaming fans outside, the band is remarkably nonchalant as they prepare to make history on the Sullivan show, Despite the extensive body of work on The Beatles, the film manages to deliver juicy new details such as when members of The Ronettes sneak the band out of the hotel and up into Harlem for BBQ and games of pool, where the boys are unrecognized and ignored, just the kind of anonymity they were craving.

But the Maysles didn’t just have their cameras pointed at The Beatles, with fantastic fan footage, interviews and more, The representation of fandom resonates today with Beatles fans sharing the same intensity and love for their idols as was on view just last week in this city with Taylor Swift’s Toronto takeover.

Not just for Boomers, from fashion to fandom and fun, Beatles ’64 is satisfying viewing that feels as fresh as a first crush.