URGENT UPDATE: A groundbreaking new documentary, “One to One: John & Yoko,” has just premiered on November 14, 2023, on HBO, showcasing never-before-seen footage of John Lennon and Yoko Ono in Syracuse, New York. The film offers an intimate glimpse into the couple’s life during the early 1970s and features significant moments from their past, including their 1971 visit to the Everson Museum of Art.
This documentary is a must-see for fans, as it includes rare footage of Lennon and Ono interacting with a crowd of over 6,000 attendees at the Everson, where Ono held her first solo exhibition titled “This is Not Here… An Exhibit of Conceptual Works of Art.” The exhibition opened on October 8, 1971, and Ono described it as “unfinished,” emphasizing that it evolves with contributions from visitors.
“It will be unfinished always because every piece in this exhibition is also growing because people add things to it,” Ono states in the film. The documentary captures the couple enjoying a private meal in the museum lobby, with fans eagerly watching from above.
Directed by Kevin Macdonald, an Oscar-winning filmmaker, this documentary dives deep into the socio-political climate of the time, mixing personal moments with historical context. Viewers will find a montage of car commercials, news reports, and television snippets that illustrate how Lennon and Ono absorbed American culture during an era marked by the Vietnam War and social upheaval.
The film also features a unique performance from the “One to One” benefit concert at Madison Square Garden, which was Lennon’s only full-length show after leaving The Beatles. The concert footage, now restored, aims to shed light on Ono’s often-overlooked musical talent. Sean Ono Lennon, their son and one of the film’s executive producers, remarked, “I think the concert footage will also show audiences my mother’s singing talent in a way that she’s not given credit for.”
Ono’s impactful art from the Syracuse exhibition is also showcased, including unsettling pieces like a partially eaten apple, empty picture frames, and a boy hammering a piece of metal. The film’s presentation resonates with younger audiences, as Macdonald notes, “It’s been very interesting – people in their teens and early 20s … are inspired by the ‘Let’s get out there and change the world’ sort of simplicity of John and Yoko’s message.”
As the documentary gains traction on social media, it serves as a poignant reminder of the couple’s legacy and their commitment to activism. The exhibition drew not only loyal fans but also celebrities such as Bob Dylan and Andy Warhol, emphasizing the cultural significance of their work.
Lennon, tragically killed in 1980, remains one of music’s most influential figures. His solo hits like “Imagine” and “Happy Xmas (War is Over)” continue to resonate globally. With the release of “One to One: John & Yoko,” audiences are reminded not just of his musical genius but also of the profound messages he and Ono shared.
What’s Next: Don’t miss your chance to experience this compelling documentary, currently streaming on HBO Max. Fans are encouraged to share their thoughts and reactions as the film makes waves across social platforms, igniting discussions about Lennon, Ono, and the powerful impact of their art and activism.
