The Beatles’ 1970 documentary “Let It Be” has long been a source of controversy and criticism. But with a new fully restored version set to be released, director Michael Lindsay-Hogg is hoping to change the narrative and give the film a fresh look.
The original film, which followed the band during the recording of their final album, was met with mixed reviews upon its release. Many fans and critics felt that it portrayed the band in a negative light, highlighting their tensions and conflicts rather than their musical genius.
But according to Lindsay-Hogg, the film was never meant to be a negative portrayal of the band. In fact, he believes that the negative perception of the film was due to the timing of its release. “The film came out at a time when the Beatles were breaking up and people were looking for someone to blame,” he explains. “But the truth is, the band was already falling apart during the filming process.”
Lindsay-Hogg also points out that the film was never meant to be a traditional documentary. “We weren’t trying to make a typical music documentary,” he says. “We wanted to capture the band in their natural state, without any filters or scripts.”
And that’s exactly what the new restored version of the film aims to do. With the help of advanced technology, the film has been remastered to enhance the visual and audio quality, giving viewers a more immersive experience. “The new version is a much more intimate and personal look at the band,” says Lindsay-Hogg. “It’s like you’re in the room with them, witnessing their creative process.”
One of the most notable changes in the new version is the removal of the controversial rooftop concert scene, which was previously the film’s climax. “We wanted to end the film on a more positive note,” explains Lindsay-Hogg. “The rooftop concert was a great moment, but it wasn’t the end of the Beatles. We wanted to show that they were still making music together, even after the band’s breakup.”
For Lindsay-Hogg, the new version of “Let It Be” is a chance to set the record straight and show the true essence of the band. “The Beatles were more than just a group of musicians, they were friends and collaborators,” he says. “The film captures that bond and showcases their incredible talent and creativity.”
As the film prepares for its re-release, Lindsay-Hogg hopes that viewers will give it a fresh look and appreciate it for what it truly is – a unique and intimate portrayal of one of the greatest bands in history. “They weren’t just Beatles anymore, they were four individuals with their own struggles and conflicts,” he says. “But through it all, their music remained timeless and that’s what we wanted to capture in the film.”
