LennoNYC

John Lennon's post-Beatles decade in his adoptive hometown of New York City has been covered extensively in both film and print, but what sets this documentary apart is its broad appeal, offering a comprehensiveÅoverview for newcomers as it unearths rare footage for aficionados. Rather than predictably trite talking-head sound bites from scholars and stars, viewers instead hear from those who knew Lennon intimately and worked with him in the studio. They tell his story, and they tell it very well. Close friend Bob Gruen, widow Yoko Ono, and "personal assistant" May Pang are among those who share details of Lennon's life and character. His studio cohorts provide wonderful insight into Lennon's songwriting and guitar-playing techniques and studio behavior. Other topics covered in depth are fatherhood, Lennon's struggles with fame and sobriety, his antiwar efforts, his troubles with the FBI, and the infamousÅalcohol-drenched "Lost Weekend." What is not covered to any degree is his 1980 murder. This film is about Lennon's life, not his death. Longtime fans already familiar with Lennon's story will savor the rare film footage and studio outtakes, while anyone interested in learning about Lennon's final decade will appreciate the cohesive and well-rounded narrative and surprising richness of detail. This film is highly recommended, as well you might "Imagine."-Douglas King, Univ. of South Carolina Lib., Columbia (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.