MAGICAL MYSTERY TOUR

Created by McCartney after Sgt Pepper (and after the death of Epstein), the opera is a medium-length film that sees the Beatles as authors, performers and directors. The film, like the double Ep that makes up the soundtrack, is a container of songs unrelated to each other for sound or lyrics, but held together by an idea (as was already Sgt Pepper): the "Magical Mystery Tour" (author McCartney) that gives the title to the incipit (first song). In an amateurish, unconscious way, the Beatles produce a film that recalls American and French avant-garde, that is a surreal dreamlike stream without plot where Paul and Ringo (and in the background John and George), provide an excellent contribution in the form of sketch, comic situations, visionary sequences, psychedelic inventions, video clips of their songs - exceptional that of "I Am The Walrus", climax of the film and the album (Lennon's only song). "Blue Jay Way" (Harrison's only song) was made at Ringo's Weybridge residence, "The Fool on the Hill" (McCartney's melodic masterpiece) was filmed in Nice, France. "Your Mother Should Know" (McCartney's vaudeville) is the one best integrated into the film, in fact it sees the Beatles descend the scale style television program variety.

Three are the most beautiful scenes of the film: - The love story between Ringo's aunt and a bus man - Dinner, with Lennon pouring spaghetti to Ringo's aunt using a shovel - The streaptease (with lots of censorship).

The film was screened in London on December 17, 1967, during a party at the Royal Lancaster Hotel, where the Beatles themselves and their respective partners intervened. The film, given its short duration - 55 minutes - was not intended for screening in cinemas, but was broadcast directly on television, the first time by the BBC in black and white, which contributed to the negative judgments it received. Public and criticism decreed the failure of the film, which brought much to McCartney's displeasure. The American critics were more benevolent and with time directors like Spielberg talked about it as a cult film, notable for its improvised and surreal spirit. And indeed this is: a historical, surreal, psychedelic film, unconsciously avant-garde. Cult film.

Vote: 9. Five Stars.