The Beatles’ summer of ’65: A cinematic journey through Beatlemania
In the summer of 1965, the world was captivated by the Beatles, who were gearing up for their iconic performance at New York’s Shea Stadium. However, the film “TWST – Things We Said Today”, which premiered at the Venice Film Festival, offers a fresh perspective on this era. This isn’t just another pop-music documentary; it’s a deep dive into the cultural and emotional landscape of the time.
A director’s vision
Director Andrei Ujică, known for his unique storytelling approach, shares his thoughts on the film. “I wanted to capture the essence of that period, not just the music,” he explains. “The generation wasn’t yet politicized, and the social rights movement was just beginning.” Despite his disinterest in traditional music documentaries, Ujică was undeniably drawn to the phenomenon of Beatlemania.
“Music has always had the power to evoke ecstatic feelings,” Ujică notes. “The Beatles weren’t the first to do this. Before them, there was ‘Lisztmania’ for Franz Liszt, and women fainted at Sinatra’s concerts. The Beatles, however, reached a much larger audience thanks to new technology. This blend of art, music, and religious-like ecstasy is a part of human nature.”
A blend of reality and fiction
The film is a creative mix of archive footage, animation, and fictional storylines. Ujică experiments with new forms to tell a story about a young writer trying to craft a short story during that summer. The writer, who has a ticket to the Beatles’ concert and attends their press conference, is the son of a famous radio DJ. Alongside him, a girl makes Super 8 videos as she heads to the concert. Their paths cross, but her existence remains ambiguous. “Is she just a part of his story? Maybe,” Ujică muses. “I wrote this when I was 19, listening to the ‘White Album’ day and night.”
Production and voice cast
Produced by Ronald Chammah for Les Films du Camélia, Ujică for Modern Electric Pictures, and Anamaria Antoci for Tangaj Production, the film features voices from Tommy McCabe, Thérèse Azzara, Shea Grant, and Sarah McCluskey. Minerva Pictures handles the sales.
A shift from political to emotional
After his trilogy on the end of Communism, including “The Autobiography of Nicolae Ceaușescu,” Ujică wanted to explore something more emotional. “The second half of the 20th century was marked by the rise of mass culture and pop music. The 1960s were particularly fascinating, with the Beatles shaping the emotional profile of that generation.”
A unique homage to the Beatles
Referencing their 1964 song in the title, Ujică chose to limit the use of familiar Beatles tunes in the film. “The Beatles were musical geniuses, unparalleled in pop music. Their output is incredible. But acquiring the rights to their songs is neither easy nor cheap. I thought, ‘Maybe this can be a new way to pay homage to them?’ Instead of interviewing people like Eric Clapton again, I wanted to create something different.”
The essence of Beatlemania
Ujică reflects on the Beatles’ phenomenon, describing it as a constant battle between absence and presence. “When they played live, you couldn’t hear anything over the ecstatic screams. Their music was something you truly listened to when they were gone.” This idea of presence and absence is mirrored in the film’s animated characters. “Initially, I considered using young actors, but I returned to my original concept. The characters are drawn, not fully there, creating an immersive experience rather than cheap nostalgia.”
Explore more
For those eager to dive deeper into the world of the Beatles and the film, check out the trailer for TWST – Things We Said Today. This film promises to offer a unique and emotional journey through one of the most iconic periods in music history.
For music enthusiasts, explore the Beatles’ timeless albums on Spotify. Start with the White Album and immerse yourself in the sounds that defined a generation.
This article aims to provide a comprehensive and personal perspective on the film and the era it portrays. By blending historical context with personal reflections, it offers a rich and engaging narrative for cinema, TV series, and music enthusiasts alike.