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"The
Fab 'Two'"
by Scott Mantz
"Two of Us"
Aidan Quinn, Jared Harris
Directed by Michael Lindsay-Hogg
When "The Beatles
Anthology" came out in 1995, it was exciting for a few reasons.
For one thing, it meant the official release of songs that were
previously unavailable, except in bootleg form. More importantly,
it meant that, after years of public animosity and legal entanglements,
the Beatles were finally friends again. Looking back on the old
concert footage, it's obvious that these men shared a very special
bond. When the Beatles broke up in 1970, everybody wondered how
John Lennon and Paul McCartney, two such seemingly inseparable friends,
could grow so far apart in such a short period of time. Couldn't
they follow their own advice and just "work it out"? The answer,
of course, was no.
After living
on top of each other for more than a decade, it's remarkable how
far apart John and Paul actually grew. After winning his case against
US immigration in 1976, John settled down in New York City with
his wife and newborn son, effectively abandoning his music career.
By contrast, Paul had the number one album in America and was touring
the world with his successful backup band, Wings. Still, the public
continued to ponder, would John and Paul ever reunite? Or better
yet, could they even stand to be in the same room together? Well,
as director Michael Lindsay-Hogg points out, the answer is yes.
Even though it's purely fictional, "Two of Us" remains an immensely
entertaining story that answers the question "what if John and Paul
actually got back together, even if it was for just one night?"
Some time in
New York City, Paul McCartney (Aidan Quinn) makes an unannounced
visit to his former bandmate and writing partner John Lennon (Jared
Harris). Awkward tension and nervous banter give way to tenderness
as the childhood friends get back to where they once belonged. They
get high, do some meditation, and take a walk through Central Park.
Before you know it, the differences that drove them apart begin
to disappear. While watching "Saturday Night Live", they catch an
offer made by producer Lorne Michaels to pay the Beatles $3,000.00
(that's right--$3,000.00!) if they show up and perform three songs.
Hmm, do you think they'll actually do it?
If anyone is
going to speculate about a proposed meeting between John and Paul,
it's got to be Michael Lindsay-Hogg (he directed the Beatles themselves
in "Let it Be"). As a result, the dialogue is engaging and feels
genuine. John is still bitter about Paul's treatment of Yoko, and
Paul is just as resentful over John's abandonment of the Beatles.
John's approval still means everything to Paul, and he beams with
pride when John expresses that "Band on the Run" is a good album.
Even though John is semi-retired (and literally bouncing off the
walls with boredom), he's his usual acerbic self, much to the chagrin
of an adoring fan who's illusions are shattered when he confronts
the ex-fabs at a restaurant.
Both actors
stay true to their characters and steer away from cartoonish imitations.
Jared Harris captures John Lennon in all his witty, intellectual,
hypocritical, honest glory. On one hand, he envies Paul for his
success and his family, but he still can't relate to his overly
idealistic approach for wanting to please everybody. Aidan Quinn
really did his homework in capturing Paul McCartney's mannerisms,
even down to his most subtle nuances. From his nervous habits during
television interviews to his trademark "thumbs-up" to adoring fans,
Quinn has Paul down pat.
"Two of Us"
doesn't feature any music by the Beatles, John Lennon, or Paul McCartney,
but that's OK. That's not what this is about. It's about two old
friends rediscovering each other, even if it's just for one night.
After a split so acrimonious that the whole world couldn't help
but notice, it's nice to see these friends, well, be friends again.
The hype about the Beatles getting back together wasn't about the
music. It was about the bond these men shared that allowed them
to make such beautiful music in the first place. Whether the events
in "Two of Us" really happened or not is besides the point--it's
fun to pretend and, dare I say it, imagine.
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