UPDATE: A new documentary titled “One to One: John & Yoko” has just premiered on HBO, showcasing rare footage of John Lennon and Yoko Ono during an iconic event in Syracuse, New York. This film dives deep into the couple’s life in the early 1970s, including their activism amid the Vietnam War and a look at Lennon’s only full-length concert post-Beatles.
The documentary features exclusive scenes from the Everson Museum of Art, where Ono’s groundbreaking exhibition opened on October 8, 1971. More than 6,000 fans flocked to see the couple, capturing moving moments such as their intimate meal in the museum lobby with fans looking on. The film provides a rare glimpse into the couple’s life, revealing the emotional connection they shared with their audience.
Director Kevin Macdonald includes restored footage from the “One to One” benefit concert at Madison Square Garden, where Lennon performed alongside Ono and The Elephant’s Memory Band. This concert marked a pivotal moment in Lennon’s career, showcasing his talent and artistic vision outside of The Beatles.
Macdonald emphasizes the documentary’s relevance, noting that it resonates with younger audiences who connect with Lennon and Ono’s message of social change. “It’s been very interesting—people in their teens and early 20s who’ve watched the film totally get it,” he shared in an interview with IndieWire. The film uses a dynamic montage of commercials and news clips to simulate the media landscape of the time, contextualizing the couple’s experiences.
Notably, the documentary also includes segments featuring Ono’s unique art pieces, such as a rotting apple and a glass maze, that challenge traditional perceptions of art. Allen Ginsberg, the famed beat poet, is featured reading a provocative poem, further blending the realms of music and art.
Executive producers Brad Pitt and Sean Ono Lennon have played crucial roles in bringing this project to life, with Sean remixing music to highlight his mother’s vocal talents. He hopes this film will showcase the depth of Ono’s artistry, which often goes unrecognized. “I think it’s unfortunate that her more avant-garde style overshadows her beautiful conventional songs,” he remarked in an interview.
The documentary premiered on November 14 and is currently streaming on HBO Max. For fans of Lennon and Ono, this film is a must-watch, presenting a poignant look at their lives and contributions to music and art.
As the world reflects on Lennon’s legacy, this documentary serves as a powerful reminder of the couple’s enduring impact on culture and social change. Don’t miss your chance to witness this intimate portrait of two artistic icons—stream it now on HBO Max.
