Appreciating the Past Through Rose-Colored Glasses

When we journey down the path of nostalgia, our perception of the past often takes on a rosy glow. We tend to overlook the heated conflicts and deep-seated anxieties, choosing to believe they were not integral to the experiences of those who lived through those times.

Reflections on John Lennon and Yoko Ono

In the context of John Lennon and Yoko Ono, perhaps these rose-colored (granny) glasses are fitting. This is particularly true when revisiting the early 1970s, a period when the iconic couple relocated to New York City, settling in a remarkably humble apartment in Greenwich Village. This epoch is meticulously explored in ‘One to One: John & Yoko’, the highly praised documentary by Oscar recipient Kevin Macdonald.

Macdonald’s Insights on His Documentary

The esteemed filmmaker recently featured on an episode of Deadline’s Doc Talk podcast where he discussed his film. He addressed the surge of idealistic energy that John and Yoko experienced in their newfound home. However, their lives were not devoid of turmoil, as protests against the Vietnam War, political strife over emerging women’s and gay rights movements, and a growing sense of the waning ’60s optimism surrounded them.

Macdonald at the 10th Anniversary of Doc Stories

Our conversation with Macdonald took place at the 10th anniversary of Doc Stories in San Francisco, a prestigious festival organized by SFFILM. During Doc Stories, we also had the opportunity to connect with director Robinson Devor and producer Jason Reid, creators of another exceptional documentary from the tumultuous early ‘70s, ‘Suburban Fury’. The film recently held its second screening ever, following its premiere at the New York Film Festival.

The Central Figure in ‘Suburban Fury’

‘Suburban Fury’ revolves around Sara Jane Moore, who made an assassination attempt on then-President Gerald Ford in San Francisco in 1975. The transition of Moore, from an ostensibly “ordinary” suburban woman with Republican inclinations, to an FBI informant involved in the pursuit of kidnapped newspaper heiress Patty Hearst, is intriguing. The answers to this transformation help unravel an era laden with anxiety, desperation, and an oddly “idealistic” belief that a well-targeted bullet could alter the course of history.

Now 94, Moore herself – sharp and feisty – provides a detailed account of her actions and her motivations.

Join Us on Doc Talk

Join us on a journey back in time for our latest episode of Doc Talk, hosted by Oscar laureate John Ridley (who recently directed a narrative film about another significant figure from the early 1970s, Democratic presidential candidate Shirley Chisholm), and Matt Carey, Deadline’s documentary editor.

Our podcast, a 2024 Webby Awards honoree, is a production of Deadline and Ridley’s Nō Studios. You can catch the episode above or on major podcast platforms including Spotify, iHeart, and Apple.

Conclusion

This article delves into the past, exploring the lives of notable figures and events through the lens of documentary cinema. It provides a unique perspective on the early 1970s, an era marked by societal change and political upheaval. Through the works of notable filmmakers and their documentaries, we get a glimpse into the lives of John Lennon and Yoko Ono, and Sara Jane Moore, showcasing how film can serve as a powerful medium to understand and appreciate history.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the documentary ‘One to One: John & Yoko’ about?

The documentary examines the life of John Lennon and Yoko Ono during the 1970s when they moved to New York City.

Who directed ‘One to One: John & Yoko’?

The documentary was directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Kevin Macdonald.

What is ‘Suburban Fury’ about?

‘Suburban Fury’ is a documentary about Sara Jane Moore, who attempted to assassinate then-President Gerald Ford in 1975.

Who are the creators of ‘Suburban Fury’?

‘Suburban Fury’ was created by director Robinson Devor and producer Jason Reid.


Credit: deadline.com