Film Review: The U.S. vs. John Lennon

Title:               The U.S. vs. John Lennon
Director:              David Leaf, John Scheinfeld
Producer:            Brad Abramson, Kevin Beggs, Jonathon Flom,
                                 Sarah Greenberg, Michael Hirschorn, Lauren Lazin,
                                 Nicolas Meyer, Eric Nelson, Tom Ortenberg
                                 Tim Palen, Steve Rothenberg, Sandra Stern (Exec)
                                 David Leaf, John Scheinfeld
                                 Peter S. Lynch II (Co), Terry Castagnola (Supv), Arlen Wszalek (coord)
                                 Bill Royce (Talent)
Screenwriter:    David Leaf, John Scheinfeld
Cinema:               James Mathers
Editor:                   Peter S. Lynch II
Year:                      2006 (96 minutes)

Synopsis: The compelling and provocative story of John Lennon’s evolution from beloved Beatle to outspoken artist and activist to iconic inspiration for peace, and how, in the midst of one of the most tumultuous times in American history, Lennon stood his ground, refused to be silenced and courageously won his battle with the U.S. Government.

Review: Now, more than 30 years removed from the political upheaval of the late 60’s and early 70’s, it seems odd that the United States government would have an interest in silencing a pop musician, yet that’s exactly what happened when the Nixon administration tried to have former Beatle John Lennon deported. To many, Lennon was just a musician, but to others he was a voice for peace and reason at a time of unrest and war. And it was because he was viewed as an opposition voice that the Nixon administration was paranoid about him.

The U.S. vs. John Lennon does an excellent job of laying the groundwork to tell the story of the attempted deportation of Lennon in the early 1970’s. The film builds slowly, telling the story of Lennon’s troubled childhood, his rise to stardom with the Beatles, and his increasing political involvement following his move to New York.

The film starts to pick up steam as it tells of the relationships Lennon was building with Black Panther leader Bobby Seale, and political activists Jerry Rubin and Abby Hoffman. It was at this time that the government went from monitoring Lennon’s activities to actively working to force him to leave the country.

The U.S. vs. John Lennon does an excellent job of documenting a turbulent time in our country’s history as well as a sad chapter of government ineptitude and abuse of power. It’s an important film, as well as a very good film.

(4.25 out of 5.0)