John Lennon and Yoko Ono were never shy about sharing their love story in front of the cameras. The late Beatle and his wife, co-leader of the Plastic Ono Band, make this clear in the first trailer for One to One: John & Yoko, an upcoming documentary directed by Oscar winner Kevin Macdonald that presents a decisive and fast-paced 18-month period in the couple’s life in the early 1970s.
The two-minute clip begins with an audio of Lennon calling someone named Howard, in which the woman on the other end of the line starts spelling out the singer’s name only to realize who she is talking to. “Are you a member of the Beatles?” she asks. “Yes, that’s right,” Lennon casually responds. From there, the footage turns into a collage of scenes of bombs dropping in the Vietnam War and the couple preparing for a benefit concert while Lennon says, “Good morning, friends. Have you had breakfast yet?” accompanied by images of the pop icon enjoying a bowl of cereal.
We see a carousel of images of John and Yoko adjusting to their new life in the city, shopping for clothes, and having fun with friends while Yoko says, “The flower generation is over, but we can start again, right?” leading to a famous image of the couple standing with their backs to the camera, raising their fists as the Statue of Liberty looms in the background.
The film chronicles the couple’s new life in post-Beatles New York, following them as they move into an apartment in Greenwich Village and prepare for their One to One Concerts, two benefit shows for children with special needs that they performed with other stars at Madison Square Garden in August 1972. It was Lennon’s only long-form performance after the Fab Four’s breakup two years earlier and, in addition to the Plastic Ono Band, included performances by Stevie Wonder, Sha Na Na, and Roberta Flack, among others.
When a journalist asked them at the time why they were doing the free shows, Lennon replied, “To change the apathy that young people have.” The couple’s only son, musician Sean Ono Lennon – seen in clips as a young child – produced and remixed the concert audio for the film, whose trailer ends with footage of Lennon, with his iconic round smoked glasses, performing his iconic hit “Imagine” at the concerts.
The documentary also includes recently transferred and restored footage from the time, as well as previously unseen elements from the couple’s personal archives, including phone calls and home movies recorded and filmed by Lennon and Ono during the 18 months they lived in a small apartment in Greenwich Village in the early 1970s.
“How would you like to be remembered?” asks a voiceover at the end of the trailer, as images of Lennon and Ono flash on the screen. The film promises to give viewers an intimate look at the couple’s relationship and their impact on the world during this pivotal time in their lives.
One to One: John & Yoko is set to be released in theaters on October 5, 2021, and will surely be a must-see for fans of the iconic couple and their music. With never-before-seen footage and personal recordings, the documentary offers a unique and personal perspective on the lives of John Lennon and Yoko Ono during a crucial period in their careers and their relationship.
The trailer also hints at the couple’s activism and their desire to use their platform for good. The One to One Concerts were just one example of their efforts to make a positive impact on the world, and the film will likely delve deeper into their philanthropic work and their message of peace and love.
The documentary also promises to shed light on the couple’s personal life, including their struggles and triumphs as a couple. From their unconventional marriage to their artistic collaborations, John and Yoko’s relationship was a constant source of fascination for the public, and this film will offer a deeper understanding of their dynamic and their enduring love for each other.
One to One: John & Yoko will also serve as a tribute to John Lennon, who tragically passed away in 1980. The film will give viewers a chance to see the beloved musician in a different light, as a husband, father, and activist, rather than just a member of the Beatles.
In conclusion, One to One: John & Yoko is a highly anticipated documentary that will offer a unique and intimate look at the lives of two iconic figures in music history. With never-before-seen footage and personal recordings, the film promises to be a must-see for fans of John Lennon and Yoko Ono, as well as anyone interested in their impact on the world and their enduring love story.