Lackluster doc presents a nice overview of John Lennon´s post-Beatles life, but glosses over most of it and offers nothing new.
Sole focus is on Lennon´s transformation into pro-peace activist and his perceived threat to the Nixon-led US establishment; title is derived from attempts to deport him to England, though anyone expecting an in-depth look at the actual trial will come away disappointed.
Use of original footage – such as John and Yoko lying in bed, hounded by photographers while prophesizing their “give peace a chance” message – is the best thing about the film, but the filmmakers simply present the footage as is, failing to explore anything in-depth.
The usual cavalcade of talking heads, Yoko, G. Gordon Liddy, Gore Vidal, and a bunch of obscurities, seem to ramble on without much direction.
While praised for the mere documentation of it’s subject, film is a failure as an objective documentary, and, with the cooperation of Ono (needed in order to obtain rights to use most of the footage included) paints Lennon as a saint and fails to even acknowledge his contributions to the worlds of art and music.
Those unfamiliar with Lennon’s post-Beatles life may find a lot of wealth in the film; everyone else can feel free to skip it.
