What it’s about
Martin Scorsese pays loving tribute to “the quiet Beatle” the late, great George Harrison in this incisive, stirring documentary that showcases Harrison’s musical oeuvre and features in-depth interviews with colleagues, family, and friends. Luminaries like Paul McCartney, Eric Clapton and Ravi Shankar discuss his musical legacy, while more unexpected pals like racecar driver Jackie Stewart and comedian Eric Idle cover the man himself.
Why we love it
We all know the story of the Beatles, but here director Scorsese recounts their rise through the prism of guitarist Harrison's own experience. The first half of this extensive work reveals new facets of the Fab Four's synergy and sheds light on Harrison's participation in and impact on the group — most notably, the slow process by which George was able to encroach on the Lennon-McCartney songwriting monopoly. The film's second half devotes itself to Harrison's rich and varied post-Beatles life, when Eastern spirituality informed not only his music, but his whole existence. Overall, “Living” creates a riveting portrait of this complex, gifted man, and reminds us of the void we've felt since he left us, much too soon.