Opening Night - All Together Now directed by Adrian Wills

I’m at the Silverdocs Documentary Festival with two purposes in mind this year, one to write about the films and the festival and share it with you and two to present my collective’s film Stages at a special work in progress screening. Being that Stages was written, directed and produced by a team of 12 people, the opening night film seemed especially intriguing to me.

All Together Now tells the story of LOVE, the Vegas collaboration between the Beatles and Cirque du Soleil. The plan being that Cirque would create a new show based on a special organization of Beatles music. Of course, with the Beatles and with Cirque, you’ve got folks that are the best at what they do, that are world famous and that don’t like to compromise. Surprisingly enough, while there were some fun moments where various parties involved had a conflict of interest in regards to the show, the film’s backbone didn’t lie in the process.

Where the film stood strong was in its candid moments with the Beatles, Paul, Ringo, Olivia (George Harrison’s wife), Yoko Ono and George Martin. Hearing Paul McCartney reflect on being a Beatles and stating that he is far enough away from that experience to be able to say that they were great is pretty amazing. It turns into an interesting reflection piece about how legends are made and the mark they left and we all leave on society and with those we care about. Specifically also, how the Beatles manage their legacy and the community that exists for the remaining members and their wives.

If you’re not a Beatles fan, this film may not be for you. While the making of the Cirque show is interesting in concept, it doesn’t do much in terms of actual story. Scenes of tension amindst the performers and show creators pale in comparison to watching Paul lip-sync Sgt Pepper during the opening night performance. Of course though, the amazing Cirque visuals make moments like that a lot more fun to watch. Not to mention the opening night screening and party - as cirque members ran about beforehand and at the gala after men on stilts ran about. It was a colorful night and a great start to the festival.

takepart to learn more about Concert for Bangladesh, George Harrison’s charity concert

OK, I’m off to another screening - keep checking back to TakePart for more in Silverdocs!