Peter Jackson’s Series Unveils Candid Moments of Genius and Camaraderie Among the Fab Four
In Peter Jackson’s new documentary The Beatles: Get Back, a quiet but remarkable moment unfolds in the first episode. Paul McCartney, guitar in hand, casually strums and mumbles until, almost out of nowhere, he brings “Get Back” into existence—a song seemingly pulled from thin air. This moment, like many throughout the eight-hour series, captures the unremarkable beginnings of an iconic track.
The documentary, crafted from 60 hours of footage originally shot by Michael Lindsay-Hogg for Let It Be (1970), follows The Beatles through the “Get Back” sessions of January 1969. These sessions led to their legendary rooftop concert and came before the releases of Abbey Road and Let It Be. Contrary to the longstanding myth of endless strife and tension during these sessions, Jackson’s film reveals a band filled with humor and camaraderie, though occasional disagreements—such as George Harrison’s brief departure—hinted at underlying strains. Instead of a chaotic atmosphere, the documentary shows four talented musicians, engaging with each other and their work, underscoring their creative bond and resilience.
Despite widespread praise from Beatles fans, not everyone was impressed. After its release, detractors on social media minimized McCartney’s songwriting moments, calling it “just how songwriting works” and claiming the creative process wasn’t remarkable. The backlash speaks to a broader trend of contrarianism directed at The Beatles, though Jackson’s documentary ultimately reminds viewers of the group’s enduring, unassailable talent.