Of all the documentaries that have been made about John, this is the one he would have loved
The US vs John Lennon (12A)
David Leaf and John Scheinfeld, 96min US 2006
Friday 27 October, 12.00
FREEDM Studio, Roundhouse, Camden, London
Bob Geldof and Bono weren't the first musicians to use their fame to promote a cause. Once he'd recovered from the public fury he caused in 1966 on claiming the Beatles were "more popular than Jesus", John Lennon decided he might as well use the media's attention on him for his own aims.
While 'The US vs John Lennon' sets out to tell the story of Lennon's anti-war politics after moving to America and the US government's attempts to silence him, the film is also a brilliant portrayal of the man himself, with his music often taking centre stage.
With unparalleled access to Lennon-Ono archives, the filmmakers were able to draw upon never before seen or heard material, bringing to life a public and private Lennon that many viewers may not know: a principled, funny and extraordinarily charismatic man who refused to be silent in the face of injustice.
Showed with
Daybreak Express (1958)
New York City at dawn set to a Duke Ellington track.
Directed by DA Pennebaker
