George Harrison: Living in the Material World Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A quiet guy joins a band, gets really into gardening, and then funds Monty Python, all while trying to find inner peace, which is way more rock ‘n’ roll than it sounds.

🍿 George Harrison: Living in the Material World: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Early Life and The Beatles

The documentary begins by exploring George Harrison’s childhood in Liverpool and his initial foray into music. It chronicles his journey as the ‘quiet Beatle,’ often overshadowed by Lennon and McCartney, but a vital component of the band’s sound and dynamic. The film covers the band’s meteoric rise to fame, their impact on global culture, and the internal tensions that eventually led to their breakup.

Spiritual Awakening and Solo Career

Following the Beatles’ dissolution, the documentary delves into Harrison’s spiritual journey, particularly his deep interest in Indian music and philosophy. This section showcases his collaboration with Ravi Shankar and the influence of Eastern spirituality on his songwriting. It also highlights the launch of his successful solo career with the acclaimed album ‘All Things Must Pass,’ demonstrating his artistic capabilities beyond the Beatles.

Humanitarian Efforts and Handmade Films

The film explores Harrison’s humanitarian efforts, notably the Concert for Bangladesh, a pioneering benefit concert to raise funds for refugees. This section also examines his involvement in the film industry through Handmade Films, a production company that supported British cinema and produced films like ‘Monty Python’s Life of Brian’ and ‘Withnail and I.’ These endeavors showcase Harrison’s commitment to using his influence for positive change.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• George Harrison (George Harrison): The ‘Quiet Beatle’ who evolves into a spiritual seeker, philanthropist, and accomplished solo artist.
• Paul McCartney (Paul McCartney): One of the key members of The Beatles, reflecting on his relationship and musical journey with George Harrison.
• Ringo Starr (Ringo Starr): The drummer of The Beatles who shares insights into George Harrison’s personality and contributions to the band.
• Olivia Harrison (Olivia Harrison): George Harrison’s widow, providing intimate perspectives on his life, spirituality, and personal struggles.
• Eric Clapton (Eric Clapton): A close friend and fellow musician who discusses George Harrison’s musical talent and personal life.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• George Harrison: “All Things Must Pass.” – The title of his first solo album, expressing a theme of impermanence and spiritual growth that permeated his life and work.
• George Harrison: “It’s all in the mind, you know.” – Reflects his belief in the power of consciousness and the ability to transcend material concerns through spiritual awareness.
• George Harrison: “Within you without you.” – Title of a song, illustrating his spiritual journey and philosophical views.

💰Box Office

• Budget: None
• Domestic Gross: None
• Worldwide Gross: $156,113

💥 George Harrison: Living in the Material World Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so I went into this documentary thinking, ‘Three and a half hours? Really?’ But honestly, I was hooked from the start. Seeing all that unseen footage of The Beatles, especially George, was just incredible. It wasn’t just about the music; it was about his whole journey. His spirituality really resonated with me, and seeing his close relationships with people like Eric Clapton and Ravi Shankar was so heartwarming. I felt like I got to know the real George, not just the ‘Quiet Beatle.’ Definitely worth the time!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Beatles fans”
  • “Music documentary enthusiasts”
  • “Those interested in spirituality and humanitarianism”
  • “Fans of Martin Scorsese’s work”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Brief discussions of drug use”
  • “Mentions of violence (home invasion)”
  • “Brief language”

Professional Reviews

• The Guardian: “Scorsese’s deep dive into Harrison’s life reveals a complex figure beyond ‘The Quiet Beatle.’ The film balances Beatlemania with Harrison’s spiritual journey, showcasing his wit and musical genius. While lengthy, it’s a rewarding experience for any music lover.
• Rolling Stone: “A mesmerizing portrait of George Harrison, this documentary explores his musical contributions, his spiritual quest, and his post-Beatles life. Scorsese crafts a moving tribute with rare footage and insightful interviews, making it a must-see for Beatles fans.
• Variety: “Though lengthy, this Scorsese doc satisfies as both a comprehensive history and personal portrait, delving deep into Harrison’s spiritual path, complex love life and musical evolution in a way that will enrich anyone’s understanding of the man.

Audience Reactions

The rare footage and personal anecdotes brought George Harrison to life in a way I’d never seen before.: Viewers loved the intimate look into George Harrison’s spiritual journey and his unique perspective on life.

The documentary highlighted his contributions to the Beatles and revealed his amazing wit.: The in-depth exploration of Harrison’s music and his often-overlooked songwriting talent impressed many viewers.

Overall Consensus: A comprehensive and intimate portrait of George Harrison that delves into his music, spirituality, and life beyond The Beatles, earning praise for its rare footage and insightful interviews.

Awards

1. Primetime Emmy Award (Outstanding Directing for Nonfiction Programming)- 2012

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Olivia Harrison, George’s widow, collaborated closely with Martin Scorsese on the film, granting access to a vast archive of personal materials.”
• “Martin Scorsese, known for his work on The Last Waltz and No Direction Home, brought a deep understanding of music and its cultural impact to the documentary.”
• “The film explores Harrison’s deep connection to Indian music and spirituality, showcasing his relationship with Ravi Shankar and the influence of Eastern philosophy on his life and music.”

🖥️ How to Watch George Harrison: Living in the Material World?

George Harrison: Living in the Material World is available for purchase or rental on various platforms. Check Amazon for purchasing options. Availability on streaming services like Prime Video or Apple TV may vary, so it’s best to check directly with those providers for current streaming options.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed George Harrison: Living in the Material World, you might like these similar films:

• The Beatles: Get Back (2021): Offers an intimate look at the Beatles’ creative process and dynamics during the Let It Be sessions, complementing the personal insights into George Harrison’s life.
• No Direction Home: Bob Dylan (2005): Another Martin Scorsese music documentary that explores the life and career of a legendary musician, providing a similar in-depth and personal portrayal.
• Searching for Sugar Man (2012): A documentary that uncovers the story of a forgotten musician and his unexpected impact, echoing the themes of artistic legacy and rediscovery found in Harrison’s story.
• Amazing Grace (2018): Showcases a powerful musical performance by Aretha Franklin and explores the intersection of music and spirituality, similar to Harrison’s exploration of Eastern philosophies.

🛒 George Harrison: Living in the Material World Related Products

• George Harrison – All Things Must Pass (3LP Limited Edition): A remastered, limited edition 3LP vinyl set of George Harrison’s iconic solo album, ‘All Things Must Pass.’ Includes bonus tracks and a deluxe booklet.
• The Beatles: Get Back (Blu-ray): Peter Jackson’s critically acclaimed documentary series offering an intimate look at The Beatles’ creative process during the ‘Let It Be’ sessions. Features restored footage and unseen moments.
• George Harrison: Living in the Material World (Book): Companion book to Martin Scorsese’s documentary, featuring rare photos, personal letters, and insights into George Harrison’s life and music.
• The Beatles: Rock Band: Interactive rhythm game that allows players to experience The Beatles’ music through virtual instruments. Features George Harrison’s signature guitar riffs and songs.

🎧 Soundtrack

George Harrison: Living in the Material World features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “My Sweet Lord” – performed by George Harrison
• “Here Comes the Sun” – performed by The Beatles
• “Something” – performed by The Beatles
• “All Things Must Pass” – performed by George Harrison
• “Within You Without You” – performed by The Beatles

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Paul McCartney talking about his best times with George Harrison

Ever wonder about the bond between George Harrison and Paul McCartney? This clip from ‘Living in the Material World’ is so heartwarming! Paul shares his fondest memories, and it really gives you a peek into their friendship.

Dhani Harrison: Memories of His Dad George Harrison’s Music 50 Years On 💿

Want to know what it was like growing up with George Harrison? Dhani Harrison shares some really interesting memories in this interview. It’s amazing to hear his perspective on his dad’s iconic album, ‘Living in the Material World’!

George Harrison – Dark Horse Recording Sessions (Friar Park Home Studio, November 1973)

Ever wanted to be a fly on the wall during a George Harrison recording session? This rare 16mm footage from his ‘Dark Horse’ album is incredible! It even has clips from ‘Living In The Material World’!

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