I didn't see it as a Bickerfest

It's always described as The Beatles imploding, breaking up before our very eyes. I could be wrong, but there's no ill-feeling onscreen apart from Geeorge's passive-aggressive behaviour towards Paul in that one incident, Paul who seems genuinely to be trying to be as polite and helpful as he can - George puts on the mantle of martyrdom, totally overreacting.

In fact, throughout the movie, George is the baleful presence. John and Paul seem to be getting on well, performing wonderfully together and seemingly enjoying each other's company. George seems to be sulking, rarely joining in the banter. Ringo is just...Ringo, watching neutrally from behind his rig.

I didn't see bickering, but I DID see a lot of boredom. A long, long time goes by (hundreds of hours in real life) before they start to put anything together - until then it's silly voices, sloppy versions of great songs, basically a lot of pissing about.

Then there's a couple of songs done straight and that amazing rooftop concert - and just see how they gel, for a group that was falling apart. It's a wonderful performance, everyone playing out of their skins and John and Paul in particular sparking off each other.

Finally the "police stopped the show" angle isn't quite right either. The police seemed to be acting quite tactfully and patiently, and the lead seems to be taken by a very fresh-faced young constable (the one carrying his gloves). No senior officers appear on the scene, and there seems to be an air of "What'll we do now?"

I think the band were winding down anyway - they played a second version of Get Back - and there was no row with the police on the roof, the boys seemed to unplug voluntarily. So tales of "The Man" spoiling the kids' fun are wide of the mark.




I'm a Prick With a Fork.