George Harrison: Living in the Material World

“Got up, went to Twickenham, rehearsed until lunchtime –left the Beatles—went home, and in the evening did King of Fuh at Trident studio, had chips later.”

Written by George Harrison in January 1969, this diary entry epitomizes Harrison’s indifference toward the Beatles and anything else that got in the way of his spiritual journey.  It’s also one of many archival things in Martin Scorsese’s brilliant documentary George Harrison: Living in the Material World that delves deep into “The Quiet One’s” complex life story.

From marginalized songwriter to chart-topping solo artist and charity rock gig pioneer, from supergroup organizer to reclusive gardener, George always backed up his assertion that he was the Beatle who changed the most.  So Harrison’s narrative certainly warrants the 208-minute, 2-part cinematic celebration that Living in the Material World provides. 

The film appreciates the whole of Harrison’s diverse network of friends and family rather than simply retelling the ubiquitous story of Beatlemania.  Sure, Ringo and Paul are predictably invaluable sources here.  But it’s the less customary interviews with Monty Python members, Formula One racecar drivers, Krishna gurus, and George’s own family that bring into focus a man who quietly championed more interests and passions than most rock stars would even stop to think of.

Maybe the most revealing parts of the film are son Dhani’s voice-over readings of his father’s letters home during his Beatle years.  Harrison shows his serene side when he asks his parents to ignore the “bull——“ in the media dismissing Maharishi Mahesh Yogi (the Beatles’ Transcedental Meditation guru during 1967-68).  He also shows his not-so-spiritual side when he writes to his parents admitting to throwing soda on a cameraman and punching out a policeman at the frenetic height of Beatlemania.

Indeed, George had plenty of foibles.  Beatle associate Klaus Voorman calls his ‘70s cocaine use “extreme” and his widow Olivia admits to “hiccups” in their marriage.  Eric Clapton and Patti Boyd weigh in on their roles in their love triangle with Harrison.  These personal issues are discussed in cursory fashion, and the film is also far from comprehensive in its chronicle of Harrison’s lifetime.  (Both George’s pre-Beatle life and Harrison’s post-All Things Must Pass solo career are glossed over entirely.)   

But Living in the Material World isn’t an investigation.  It’s a tribute.  Because of its incredible breadth of archival material and personal perspectives, it’s also one of the most revelatory Beatle-related documentaries ever.  What it shows us is a life elevated in importance by its devotion to the art of dying. Perhaps then, its greatest achievement is demanding that we take Harrison’s soul as seriously as the man himself did.

- Mike Tony, Popscene with Mike Tony (Saturdays from 10 - noon @ WQHS.org)