LennonNYC (2010)

LennonNYC is a look at John Lennon at his happiest, I think, living in NYC and raising his son. John finally hits his stride in the mid-70s, coming to terms with his tumultuous early years of Beatlemania and his departure from England. Arriving in NYC, John faces deportation and harassment at the hands of the fearful Nixon administration (see The U.S. vs. John Lennon) for his activism, but he is happy. You can see that in the historical footage provided here. It’s as if John has become comfortable in being John Lennon.

This documentary contains great footage of studio sessions, personal home video, cameo concert appearances, media coverage and incredibly personal interviews by the likes of Dick Cavett, Elton John, and Yoko One. The film feels personal. The viewer sees John at vulnerable times when his early solo works aren’t well received by critics and his ‘Lost Weekend’ in L.A. Footage and interview highlights from his son Sean are precious.

As I see it, LennonNYC is a must see for fans of the icon.  It is Lennon at his happiest.  It's comforting to know that this troubled genius found peace before death.