He’s “The Quiet Beatle” who could also “outlast anyone” at a party.
I love this Martin Scorcese documentary on George Harrison.
It also shows George as likely the most loving of the Beatles.
Enjoy!
Trailer for “George Harrison: Living in the Material World”
Watch “George Harrison: Living in the Material World”
You can watch “George Harrison: Living in the Material World on:
- HBO Max at https://play.max.com/show/43f6a8ce-221e-45eb-9d2e-87dc00d24cbc (both parts 1 and 2)
- YouTube (Part 2 only) at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNxy2oKgoec (though some parts are muted for copyright purposes).
You can find the latest streaming options at https://www.justwatch.com/us/tv-show/george-harrison-living-in-the-material-world
You can also buy the DVD at https://www.amazon.com/George-Harrison-Living-Material-World/dp/B007JWKLMO
Ratings:
- My Rating: 95/100
- IMDB Rating: 8.1/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Ratings: 93 /100 (Users); 86/100 (Critics)
Release Date: October 5, 2011
My Review of “George Harrison: Living in the Material World”
He’s “The Quiet Beatle” who could also “outlast anyone” at a party.
In Martin Scorsese’s 2-part (3 hour) doc “George Harrison: Living in the Material World,” we’re treated to a kaleidoscopic view of the “Quiet Beatle” that’s about as quiet as a Metallica concert in a library.
This isn’t just a trip down Penny Lane; it’s a deep dive into the soul of a man who went from mop-top to mountaintop, both literally and figuratively.
The film opens with Harrison in his element – not on stage, but in his garden at Friar Park. It’s a scene that sets the tone for the entire documentary: George, surrounded by nature, looking as comfortable as a quarterback in a pocket of calm.
This expansive estate features so prominently throughout the film that it deserves its own IMDb credit.
It’s clear that for Harrison, home wasn’t just where he hung his hat; it was where he hung his soul.
Scorsese, never one to shy away from a good archival dig, unearths footage that makes even the most seasoned Beatles archaeologist weep with joy.
New Footage and Home Movies
We’re treated to a veritable feast of previously unseen home movies and rare performances that paint a picture of Harrison far more vibrant than his “quiet” moniker would suggest.
Take, for instance, the delightful anecdote of young George pointing out to John Lennon that his guitar was two strings shy of a full set.
It’s a moment that perfectly encapsulates Harrison’s understated wit and musical acumen.
Or the new “Beatlemania” footage, silent but speaking volumes about the frenzy that surrounded the Fab Four.
But it’s not all yeah-yeah-yeah and mop-tops.
Scorsese delves deep into Harrison’s spiritual journey, showing us a man who sought enlightenment with the same fervor he brought to his guitar solos.
We see George and John on tropical vacations, but these aren’t your average beach bum holidays.
These are the voyages of a spiritual starship, with Harrison at the helm, navigating the choppy waters of fame and fortune in search of inner peace.
The documentary doesn’t shy away from Harrison’s complexities. We learn about his use of LSD and other drugs, but it’s clear that for George, these were less about getting high and more about getting higher – in a spiritual sense.
As one interviewee puts it, he eventually found his highs in meditation and chanting, swapping acid trips for transcendental journeys.
Olivia Harrison, George’s widow, provides some of the most poignant moments in the film.
George & Women
She speaks candidly about their marriage, acknowledging the “hiccups” – a wonderfully British understatement for what she hints were George’s extramarital dalliances.
“He liked women, and women liked him,” she says, in what might be the most diplomatic description of rock star infidelity ever uttered.
But through it all, their love endured, a testament to the depth of their connection.
The film doesn’t pull punches when it comes to the darker moments of Harrison’s life.
We hear about his fury at John Lennon’s murder, a reaction colored by his belief that Lennon “didn’t have a chance to leave his body in a better way.”
It’s a startlingly spiritual take on a tragedy, revealing Harrison’s deep-seated beliefs about life, death, and what comes after.
Perhaps the most harrowing moment comes when Olivia recounts the violent home invasion at Friar Park.
Her description of the attacker in a “florid, psychotic state” and the injuries they sustained is chilling.
It’s a stark reminder that even in his fortress of solitude, Harrison wasn’t immune to the chaos of the world.
But for every shadow, there’s a burst of light.
Harrison Creates First Benefit Concert
We see Harrison’s pioneering spirit in action as he creates the first celebrity benefit concert, The Concert for Bangladesh.
It’s a moment that shows Harrison wasn’t just ahead of his time musically, but philanthropically as well.
And speaking of being ahead of the curve, who else but George Harrison would mortgage his house to loan $4 million to Monty Python for “Life of Brian”?
It’s a move that cements his status as not just a musical genius, but a patron saint of surreal comedy.
The film doesn’t neglect Harrison’s musical legacy, either.
While acknowledging that John and Paul were the primary songwriters for The Beatles, it gives George his due.
“Here Comes The Sun,” we learn, is the all-time most downloaded Beatles song – a neat little factoid that feels like a posthumous mic drop from the Quiet Beatle.
Allstar Interviews
Scorsese assembles an impressive roster of interviewees, each adding their own brushstrokes to the portrait of Harrison.
Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr provide the brotherly perspective.
They give anecdotes tinged with both fondness and the lingering echoes of old tensions.
Eric Clapton’s contributions are particularly moving, offering insights into a friendship that transcended romantic rivalries and musical collaborations.
Tom Petty’s heartfelt tribute captures the essence of Harrison’s influence on his peers and the industry at large.
And Phil Spector makes a surprise appearance, his “wig of the day” providing an unintentionally comic counterpoint to his lucid recollections of working with Harrison.
One Blind Spot
The documentary does have its blind spots. It largely skips over Harrison’s musical output from 1973 to 1988, a period that includes significant works like “All Those Years Ago” and “Got My Mind Set On You.”
But I still love this documentary. It’s the most comprehensive doc on “The Quiet Beatle”.
Thanks for reading!
Rob Kelly, Chief Maniac, Daily Doc