A HARD DAY’S NIGHT (1964)

 

Directed By: Richard Lester Written By: Alun Owen  Cinematography: Gilbert Taylor  Editor: John Jympson 

Cast: The Beatles, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, George Harrison, Wilfrid Brambell, Norman Rossington, John Junkin, Victor Spinetti, Anna Quayle 

Over two "typical" days in the life of The Beatles, the boys struggle to keep themselves and Sir Paul McCartney's mischievous grandfather in check while preparing for a live TV performance.

The film is shot in black and white that makes the film feel timeless. As well as give it a classic fresh feel.

The movie moves along briskly is pretty episodic almost like a Group or music video and live performances with a rather than story built around it. 

Director Richard Lester was ahead of his time based off of this film. He paved the way for music videos. Not just putting out clips of live performances. Fast-paced, rapid editing videos of songs with the band and a storyline of sorts that can be self-contained.

Wilfrod Brambell plays a frisky uncle to Paul. Here to add comedy and have a reason for the hijinks and confusion that keeps the story afloat. 

The film tries to give each member a different personality to play off and their own space to have a singular adventure. It also allows them to be goofier and show a sense of humor and enjoy their youth giving them range And full personalities. After all, this movie is about them.

Even though most of the film feels like filler and comes off as a lark to kill time. Though it has its fair share of memorable visuals.

The film is energetic and  freewheeling that  feels loose like you can go anywhere at anytime. 

It also seems to show how normal the Beatles are despite the fame and situations they find themselves in. More a service to their fans to get somewhat up close and personal.

The film works as a time capsule of the times and culture. As well as a place to show and satirize the level of fame they had, that was the beginning and how they dealt with It in behavior and attitudes. 

It’s a fun film that helps if you are a fan. As it’s an inside look to a degree. This first film is their best fil. Not quite as surreal as the others, but more artistic, comedic and simple.

So that there are constantly scenes and moments to remember. Even if just the songs as the soundtrack is an original album itself.

Remember the excitement for this movie when it got re-released and finally came out on dvd. Which is when I first saw it. It was kind of my introduction to the Beatles. As I had heard of them and a few songs from them before but never quite got into them to kind of learn about them and investigate them and their music until I saw this film. 

Grade: A-