Watch Let It Be

The 1970 documentary film Let It Be is a chronicle of the music-making process of The Beatles as they worked on what would become their final studio album of the same name. The film was directed by Michael Lindsay-Hogg and produced by Apple Corps, the multimedia corporation founded by the band members themselves. It features footage of the band members in various music studios in London and Savile Row, rehearsing and recording songs for their album, which was released on May 8, 1970.

The film starts with the band members leading their instruments into the basement studio of their Apple Corps headquarters in Savile Row. Although it was meant to be a showcase of their musical abilities, it quickly becomes evident that tensions are high between the band members, perhaps due to the prolonged time they have spent together. This is further compounded by the presence of camera crews who are capturing every interaction, conversation and movement of the group. As the documentary progresses, it becomes more and more clear that the working relationship between the band members is strained, with constant bickering and arguing occurring throughout the process.

Throughout the documentary, we see the band members in their rawest form – taking breaks, laughing, joking and just generally hanging out. There are glimpses of the individual members across numerous scenes – John Lennon’s witty sarcasm, George Harrison’s quietness and his eventual departure from the rehearsal, Ringo Starr’s willingness and good humor, and Paul McCartney’s authoritative control over the band, which had started to grate on his bandmates’ nerves.

Perhaps the most memorable scenes of Let It Be are the musical performances, in which The Beatles experiment with their sounds and record some of their greatest hits such as ‘Get Back,’ ‘Don't Let Me Down,’ and ‘Let It Be.’ The film showcases intimate performances that capture the essence of the band's creative process, from jam sessions to impromptu melodies. The sound quality of the film is also exceptional, immersing the viewer in the studio sessions and making them feel as though they are part of the experience.

One of the most famous moments in the documentary is the rooftop concert scene, in which The Beatles perform on the roof of the Apple Corps headquarters in London. The scene captures the excitement of the band’s last public performance, as well as the police eventually intervening and stopping the performance.

Despite the obvious tensions and confrontations between the band members, the documentary still manages to convey a sense of the band’s camaraderie and respect for each other's creative input. Although The Beatles would eventually disband, Let It Be stands as a testament to the power of their music and the lasting influence they left on the music industry.

In conclusion, Let It Be is a must-watch film for any Beatles fan, as well as anyone interested in the creative process behind music-making. The documentary presents a raw and unfiltered look into the lives of one of the greatest bands of all time and showcases some of their most iconic music. With the unparalleled access to their creative process and their personal lives, the director has given viewers an unparalleled insight into the inner workings of this iconic band during a period of great change and turmoil.