Anticipation is building for Sam Mendes’ cinematic exploration of The Beatles, which promises to be a groundbreaking experience for fans of the legendary band. In the meantime, viewers can dive into an engaging Beatles documentary currently streaming on Disney+, enhancing their appreciation for the band’s rich history. Sam Mendes, an acclaimed director known for his varied filmography, made his mark with the award-winning American Beauty in 1999. Over the years, he has successfully ventured into diverse genres, producing impactful war films like Jarhead and 1917, along with crime dramas such as Road to Perdition, and contributing to the James Bond franchise with Skyfall and Spectre.
Mendes is now embarking on an ambitious project centered around The Beatles, undertaking the production and direction of four distinct films that will explore the lives of each band member. These films are slated for release in April 2028, with the intriguing concept of offering audiences the “first binge-able theatrical experience.”Although the wait is lengthy, Beatles enthusiasts can satiate their curiosity with a fascinating documentary currently available for viewing.
Why You Should Watch Beatles ’64 Before Sam Mendes’ Upcoming Movie
Beatles ’64: A Journey Back to the Peak of Beatlemania
Released in 2024, the documentary Beatles ’64 is a captivating portrayal of the cultural phenomenon surrounding the Beatles’ arrival in America, occurring shortly after the tragic assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Directed by David Tedeschi and produced by the renowned Martin Scorsese and Margaret Bodde, the film immerses audiences in the euphoric reception the band received, showcasing the fervent excitement of fans and the Beatles’ heartfelt responses to their newfound fame, including a historic performance on The Ed Sullivan Show.
The documentary masterfully utilizes archival footage from the 1964 documentary What’s Happening! The Beatles in the U.S.A. and includes fresh interviews with band members Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, alongside reflections from dedicated fans, photographers, and various artists who witnessed the dawn of Beatlemania. These personal anecdotes highlight the profound impact the Beatles had on music and popular culture.
Noteworthy participants in Beatles ’64 include Martin Scorsese himself, as well as Jamie Bernstein, daughter of legendary composer Leonard Bernstein, and filmmaker David Lynch.
The documentary is also a treasure trove of iconic Beatles songs, featuring several numbers from their memorable Ed Sullivan performance. Critics and audiences alike have embraced Beatles ’64, with an impressive 95% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes alongside an 80% audience rating, solidifying its status as a “fresh” film.
Beatles ’64: A Unique Snapshot in Time
Beatles ’64: A Nostalgic Journey Through Time
Beatles ’64 defies typical documentary conventions, not steering the audience through a rigid narrative or unveiling groundbreaking revelations. Instead, it serves as a nostalgic journey, illustrating the Beatles in more informal settings, showcasing their personalities while highlighting their performances. While this approach may lack dramatic flair or new insights, it remains a touching experience for die-hard fans of the band.
As a precursor to Mendes’ upcoming films, Beatles ’64 gives viewers a deeper understanding of the band’s dynamics offstage. Mendes’ films will afford a more intimate look at each individual member, yet the camaraderie and collective experiences depicted in Beatles ’64 are equally critical to appreciating their narratives and legacies.