A Hard Day’s Night, 1964.
Directed by Richard Lester.
Starring Paul McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison, Ringo Starr, Wilfrid Brambell and Norman Rossington.
SYNOPSIS:
A look into the (hard) day and night adventures of The Beatles.
Many who haven’t yet seen A Hard Day’s Night will still be familiar with some of the 50 year-old tropes featured in the film. The opening alone has been parodied and referenced dozens of times (Austin Powers, for one) and many of people would have certainly heard at least one song off the soundtrack. The trouble is, many haven’t actually seen the film that houses all these wonderful pieces of pop culture. However, with the 50th anniversary rerelease, the opportunity to seek it out comes even easier, and more luxuriously, thanks to a beautifully remastered soundtrack and an incredibly crisp picture.
We follow the “Fab Four” on what it supposed to look like a typical day for them. In some senses, it is, and director Richard Lester does a great job at pacing the action – a lively run down the street with chasing fans, to a mischievous train ride, a bouncing gig and some playful frolicking around (the latter taking up a hefty portion of the narrative). Much of what we see would have happened to the band on a regular basis and unlike Yellow Submarine, there is a story we can relate to and understand. The rhythm of the film – much like the band’s music – still possesses that energy felt first time in 1964. Some may not be able to move past its dated appearance and jokes, but others – those more open-minded – should find a lot of pleasure in the cheeky jibs the likes of Paul, John, George and Ringo dole out on characters.
The documentary style applied to Lester’s portrayal of the band has aged almost as beautifully as the music. It could be argued that the semi-realistic representation of the band now seems oddly farcical due to the OTT, and very effervescent narrative. Nevertheless, you sit down with children now and show them A Hard Day’s Night, you can explain “that’s what the train rides were like back then” or “see, girls have been screaming their heads off at concerts long before One Direction”. It is a treasure trove of 60s antics and of music that literally defined countless artists today. If, by some strange reason, you can’t find comedy or entertainment in the film, you can at least be whisked back to the swinging sixties era with flair.
There’s a whole new audience ready to experience A Hard Day’s Night (kids, specifically, should be shown it to give them a taste of older family entertainment), and Second Sight are providing them with that chance. The newly restored edition is a wondrous DVD/Blu-ray featuring a “Making Of”, interviews with the band, a documentary on the film, audio commentaries with cast and crew, and an interview with the director (to name the best of the bunch). Iconic, vivacious, and important, A Hard Day’s Night is a film to be cherished – 50 years have passed and it still has its edge, so check it out.
Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★ ★
Piers McCarthy – Follow me on Twitter.
Originally published July 22, 2014. Updated April 12, 2018.
