Watch John Lennon - Classic Album: Plastic Ono Band

In the documentary film John Lennon - Classic Album: Plastic Ono Band, we are given a deep dive into the making of one of the most iconic albums of the 20th century. Through interviews with Lennon himself, as well as with members of his band, Yoko Ono, and others involved in the creation of the album, we learn about the personal and artistic journey that led to the creation of this groundbreaking work.

The film begins with a discussion of Lennon's emotional state at the time of the album's creation. Having recently undergone primal scream therapy with Dr. Arthur Janov, Lennon was grappling with deep-seated emotional issues and a dissatisfaction with his own life and work. As a result, the songs on Plastic Ono Band are raw, introspective, and intensely personal, dealing with themes of loss, pain, and identity.

We are then taken through the recording process, with studio footage interspersed with interviews and commentary. The film features a number of tracks from the album, including "Mother," "Isolation," and "God," allowing us to hear the songs as they were originally recorded and appreciate the power and intimacy of Lennon's performances.

One of the most interesting parts of the film is the discussion of how the album was created. Lennon himself talks about how he approached the writing and recording process, describing his desire to strip away all pretense and create something that was completely honest and true. He also talks about the collaboration between himself, Ono, and the other musicians involved, highlighting the creative tension and experimentation that helped shape the final product.

Other members of the recording team also share their insights, including bassist Klaus Voormann, drummer Ringo Starr, and engineer Phil Spector. Through their interviews, we learn about the technical challenges of recording the album, as well as the musical influences and inspirations that helped shape its sound.

Throughout the film, we get a sense of the profound impact that Plastic Ono Band had, both on Lennon himself and on the wider cultural landscape. The album was a critical and commercial success, and has been lauded as one of the most important recordings of the era. In the documentary, we see how Lennon's raw and honest approach to songwriting laid the groundwork for the confessional style that would become so prevalent in the decades that followed.

Ultimately, John Lennon - Classic Album: Plastic Ono Band is a fascinating look at one of the most significant albums of the 20th century. Through its blend of interviews, studio footage, and music, it offers a deep dive into the creative process behind this groundbreaking work, as well as its broader cultural significance. Whether you're a die-hard Lennon fan or simply a lover of great music, this documentary is not to be missed.

John Lennon - Classic Album: Plastic Ono Band is a music movie with a runtime of 53 minutes.