Let It Be

Directed by Michael Lindsay-Hogg, the 1970 Let It Be is a seductive fusion of music and documentary that examines the creative processes of The Beatles during a captivating period. Installed within Twickenham Film Studios during the cold January of 1969, Let It Be documents the rehearsals and recording sessions for The Beatles’ twelfth and final studio album, giving fans an intimate view into the band's inner workings. The movie offers a collective snapshot of Paul McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison and Ringo Starr, at what would become the end of their standing as a band.

The documentary was initially conceived to capture an element of "returning to the roots" for the Beatles. The filmmakers sought a bare-bones, raw portrayal of the Fab Four's music-making process, a journey that was meant to culminate with their first live show in over two years. The Beatles, renowned for their jovial and charismatic public personas, are portrayed with an overcast of unresolved tension and fatigue in Let It Be, providing a moving and profound divergence from their expected image.

The film begins with The Beatles brainstorming in casual attire, mirroring the laid-back and spontaneous essence of the film. One aspect which truly stands out in the documentary is the rare and exclusive insight into how they would play around with melodies, lyrics, and chords, birthing many masterful hits in the process. Audiences get to witness their individual creative sparks and their ability to feed off each other's energy, making Let It Be a treat for both, admirers of The Beatles and musical enthusiasts in general.

A significant part of the movie revolves around the focused, yet visibly strained relationships among band members. John Lennon, although with his quick-wit and casual humor intact, presents a detached demeanor, an aspect often attributed to Yoko Ono's pervasive presence. George Harrison is seen battling to assert his creative independence, while Paul McCartney attempts to hold the fracturing band together with his intense passion and commitment towards music. Ringo Starr, though understated for most of the film, provides the connecting thread with his steady drumming and calm persona.

The movie also offers intimate views into the band's professional conferences, heated discussions, and disagreements. It doesn't shy away from their moments of tension and visible fractures within the band, which were uncharacteristic of the band's public image at the time. These sequences are brilliantly juxtaposed with enchanting studio performances of tracks like 'Two of Us', 'I've Got a Feeling', and 'Let It Be', among others.

A striking pillar which indisputably holds up the entire film is The Beatles' enduring music itself. The film acts as a sonic festival, capturing the creative burst behind the evolution of their iconic music. It serves as a testament to their undisputed genius, carving evergreen songs out of thin air. Be it the hopeful strains of the title track "Let It Be," the foot-tapping robustness of "Get Back," or the haunting beauty of "The Long and Winding Road," each one underscores the band's unrivaled talent, making it an irresistible watch for music lovers.

One cannot forget the now-iconic rooftop concert, an unforgettable slice of music history. While the behind-the-scene sequences add depth to the narrative, it is this concert on the rooftop of their Apple Corps headquarters which provides a resounding climax to the film. As they power through a five-song set in the chilly London air, it resonates as much more than a performance, becoming an unforeseen farewell from the world's most famous band.

Let It Be, while being a documentary, serves up a confetti of emotions. It is a poignant commentary on the end of a glorious era, a showcase for the creative process of arguably the best band in history, a raw and real character study of all four Beatles, and an unforgettable concert film. It does not sugarcoat or airbrush over the struggles and cracks within the band, instead, it presents them with stark honesty and authenticity. It is an anthological display of talent, creativity, camaraderie, tension, and music – a film that tugs at the heartstrings of every Beatlemaniac and music devotee.