Paul: A new version of the Let It Be movie?
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| The Let It Be film on video cassette (German edition). |
In an interview with a radio station in Quebec, Canada on September 15, Paul McCartney was asked about the fate of the Beatles’ “Let It Be” film. “We keep talking about that,” Paul confirmed, “we have meetings at Apple” (of course, that’s The Beatles’ company and not the computer giant). He went on to say that nothing was definite, but he “had heard rumours” about how a new version of the film may some day come out. “People have been looking at the footage.” Paul says, estimating that it’s around 56 hours worth af material there. And someone told him “the other day” that the overall feeling (when examining all the available footage) is very joyous and uplifting and mostly “a bunch of guys making music and enjoying it”. So Paul thinks there is “some talk” about making a new movie, re-editing it from the same footage. “Who knows, that may be happening in a year or two,” Paul concludes.
In an interview with the film’s Cinematographer Tony Richmond in February 2017, it was revealed that “…we remastered it for DVD and there were so many outtakes that weren’t used in the film that really show the acrimony between all of the Beatles. But that’s still being held up by George Harrison’s estate and his wife and Yoko Ono because they don’t want the acrimony shown.”
This may now change, due to a re-edited version of the film possibly making it palatable for the Lennon and Harrison estates.
Paul McCartney is playing a concert in Quebec this evening, as part of his new “Freshen Up” tour.
Rewritng history?
Interesting news Roger. Will we be getting a review from you of Egypt Station? It's been quiet here on the blog for a while during this release and promo period.
Yeah, I have been away. I was actually in Hamburg when the album was released and got myself a copy of the vinyl concertina edition the day before the release, but after that I saw no trace of the album there on release day, even though I must have visited 6-7 record stores. After that, I've been busy putting together the new Norwegian Wood fanzine, and I did do a review there – although in Norwegian. I have no plans to translate that into English for this blog, but I do like the album and I like the fact that his Fireman persona shines through a bit, what with all the sonic surprises he springs on us throughout the album.
The hold up has always been that they don't want to show the Beatles fighting but you can already see footage of this on YouTube.
They were human beings after all. People argue so what.
No… it's not rewriting history. We already know how it ended up. I think its more ADDING to the history we've all become familiar with. The clips of them arguing will always be with us, and everyone is more than welcome to watch that over and over again in the event you have not seen it enough yet. A new, perhaps happier film, a nicer journey to tender, would be a good thing for a blistered world.Whatever you may think about a new cut LET IT BE… I'm looking forward to iy. Where' the popcorn? – Applelog Publications
There was fun sometimes going on during the LIB sessions and that is clearly documented on audio tapes circulating around. It would be nice to see a new version with better editing and crisper video that reflects some of the good times they had.
I would vote aye on a completely new edit, after all the album has been presented in several different versions officially as well as all the bootlegs. The Let It Be sessions seem destined to be a work of current interpretation.
Why not a NEW VERSION and the old version like BONUS?
I'd rather not see the parts of the film where there is tension between the band members.
My favorite part is when George is at the piano with Ringo working on a song for the Abbey Road album. This is supposed to be a celebration of the band. Let's keep it that way.
I don't mind the arguing. I'd like to see an edit of that 20 minutes of setting up the drum kit that starts the film. Rewrite THAT history please!
Would love to see the multi angle of footage of them rehearsing "All Things Must Pass". Guess it will be vetoed by the Harrison estate though.
All that bootleg audio has them sounding friendly for the most part.
So is there really that much tension to see? I'm not sure…
Yes to a new edit plus the original!
New 20 hous of the best over multiple blue rays , week 1 , week 2 , thanks .
I can't help thinking Paul should veto a re-cut of the film that hides the acrimony. Because however much the Lennon and Harrison estates might be to blame, if it looks like a whitewash then people are just going to blame Paul for it (it's never Ringo, is it?).
In a sense, history is being rewritten anyway by the unavailability of the original film. And that film was just one version of history. And in any case, what are you watching when you see that film? Really the band were only there because a film was being made. So what's it a documentary of anyway? It's just: "This is how the Beatles behave when you point film cameras at them." And guess what? They're a bit on edge, and self-conscious, and not sure why they're doing this, and resentful about having to be there; and everything feels a bit forced.
Don't get me wrong, I'd like to see some of this stuff available again. But I'm not sure how much truth there is in it. Really you'd need to see all the footage uncut to make that judgement for yourself.