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A deep dive into John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s New York years
Unveiling the lesser-known facets of John Lennon
Documentaries have long provided us with intriguing glimpses into the life of John Lennon. Films like “The U.S. vs. John Lennon” (2006) and “The Lost Weekend: A Love Story” (2022) have explored his political activism and personal relationships. However, “One to One: John & Yoko” stands out as a particularly compelling and nuanced portrayal of Lennon. This documentary, directed by the accomplished Kevin Macdonald, delves into the period just before Lennon’s infamous ”Lost Weekend,” offering a fresh perspective on his life and relationship with Yoko Ono.
The move to New York: A new chapter
In August 1971, John and Yoko relocated from their country estate outside London to a modest apartment in New York City’s West Village. This move marked the beginning of an 18-month period that would significantly shape their lives. Unlike their later residence at the Dakota, this small apartment became a hub of creativity and activism for the couple.
Lennon embraced the city with enthusiasm, appearing on American talk shows like “Mike Douglas” and enjoying the relative calm after the chaos of his Beatles years. Despite the familiarity of some of these events, Macdonald’s film offers a unique and immersive experience, drawing viewers into the heart of Lennon’s New York life.
The allure of television
One of the more surprising revelations in “One to One” is Lennon’s self-confessed addiction to television. This might seem at odds with his countercultural image and political activism, but it also foreshadowed a broader cultural shift. Lennon’s TV habit was not just about passive consumption; it was a form of engagement with the world, a way to absorb and critique the media landscape of the early ’70s.
Lennon’s cynicism and sharp wit are evident in his music and public persona. Songs like “Revolution” reflect his complex views on politics and society. His TV addiction, then, can be seen as part of this broader engagement with the world, a way to stay informed and maintain a critical perspective.
The intimate setting of 105 Bank Street
Macdonald’s film meticulously recreates the couple’s white-walled duplex apartment at 105 Bank Street. This detailed reconstruction, combined with home movies and candid photographs, allows viewers to almost step into the lives of John and Yoko. The apartment, filled with guitars, clothes, amplifiers, and even a Snoopy pillowcase, becomes a character in its own right, reflecting the couple’s eclectic and creative lifestyle.
The “One to One” concerts
The documentary takes its title from a pair of benefit concerts that Lennon performed at Madison Square Garden on August 30, 1972. These concerts, featuring the Plastic Ono Elephant’s Memory Band, were Lennon’s last full-length performances. The music, from the opening number “New York City” to the raw-throated ”Mother,” provides a powerful soundtrack to the film and underscores Lennon’s enduring impact as a musician.
A snapshot of the early ’70s
Macdonald’s film also captures the broader cultural and political landscape of the early ’70s. Through a montage of TV clips and news footage, we see Nixon, the Attica State uprising, Jerry Rubin on “Phil Donahue,” and other iconic moments. This channel-surfing approach mirrors Lennon’s own media consumption and situates his personal story within the larger context of the time.
Relationships and radicalism
The film explores Lennon’s relationships with key figures of the era, including Jerry Rubin, a prominent activist from the Chicago 7 trial. Rubin’s performative activism and Lennon’s collaboration with him on the Free the People tour highlight the complexities and contradictions of the counterculture movement. Despite their efforts, the tour ultimately fell apart, reflecting the challenges of sustaining political momentum.
Eavesdropping on history
“One to One” includes transcripts of phone calls between John, Yoko, and their associates, providing a rare glimpse into their private conversations. These calls, likely recorded by the FBI, reveal the couple’s everyday concerns and political aspirations. We hear Lennon discussing purist politics with Allen Klein and Yoko coordinating an art installation, offering a more intimate and humanizing portrait of the couple.
Yoko’s influence and the search for Kyoko
Yoko Ono’s influence on Lennon is a central theme of the film. Their move to New York was driven by Yoko’s desire to find her estranged daughter, Kyoko, who was being raised in a Christian cult. This quest, though ultimately unsuccessful, underscores the depth of their relationship and Lennon’s commitment to supporting Yoko’s wishes.
The friendship with Elton John
The documentary also touches on Lennon’s friendship with Elton John, which blossomed in the mid-’70s. Their collaboration on the hit single “Whatever Gets You Through the Night” is a testament to Lennon’s ability to form meaningful connections with other artists, even as he navigated the complexities of his own life.
A multifaceted legacy
“One to One” paints a vivid and multifaceted portrait of John Lennon. He was a radical who loved watching TV, a rock star devoted to his avant-garde wife, and a Brit who became a quintessential New Yorker. This documentary captures these contradictions and offers a fresh and compelling look at one of the most iconic figures of the 20th century.
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