A Hard Day's Night

By any conceivable standard, this movie is ground breaking. Visually, director Richard Lester broke new ground by employing a hand held camera for much of the film, giving the film a realistically documentary look. He was also able in this way to give the film a constant visual energy that never flags from the opening credits until the final fabulous shot of the Fab Four's helicopter freeze framed in the sky. The script contains not merely a bevy of first-rate jokes, but introduces several moments of surreality. An example of the latter is the Beatles being chased by fans through a train near the beginning of the film. They reach a baggage car with a cage in the center for valuables, into which they lock themselves. They begin playing cards while the girls all scream. They begin singing, cards in hand, "I Should Have Known Better." Gradually, however, the cards disappear, with Ringo suddenly having drumsticks in his hands, then another a guitar, until they eventually and inexplicably have all their instruments. As the song fades out, the instruments all disappear, and the cards reappear in their hands.

The reason this films continues to delight and entertain is that Richard Lester wanted to make a great movie that happened to star the Beatles, that could stand on its own, and not just a film that would capitalize on their fame. As a result, the film is stuffed to the brim: with ideas, inventive camera shots, unusual and bizarre characters, and more jokes this side of AIRPLANE! There are so many jokes that many might escape the notice of the casual viewer. For instance, while the "manager" of the Beatles argues with one of the boys, Paul sits with a Pepsi bottle to his nose, apparently trying to snort the contents into his nose. Or the constant jokes revolving around Paul's grandfather being such a "clean old man."

Special mention has to be made of Wilfred Brambell. He had achieved great success in one of the greatest TV shows of all time, STEPTOE AND SON, which was the series that the American TV series SANDFORD AND SON was based upon. Brambell is unforgettable playing Paul's grandfather. The boys are all so good you can't say Brambell steals scenes, but that says more about the unexpected charisma of the boys' performances than it does about Brambell, who manages to be equally as dominant in all his scenes. Astonishingly, he was only fifty-one years old at the time of filming, though he looks a great deal older than that.

I have been amazed in talking to friends to find out how many have not seen this film. Anyone who is a fan of the Beatles (or even if a non-fan) should see this film as quickly as possible. It not only represents the moment when the world at large was forced to take the Beatles seriously but also remains one of their greatest moments as performers.


The Beatles and Richard Lester invented the music video!!!   March 11, 2001
21 out of 25 found this review helpful

It's amazing how many people at my high school like the Beatles. I think there are more Beatles fans at my school than there are Backstreet Boys or N Sync fans. The Beatles even made more money last year (mostly due to the "1" CD) than either of those bands! They're the hottest band again; something that I never thought I'd see happen, ever since I first heard them about 10 years ago when I was 5 years old. Plus I don't think most people realize The Beatles and director Richard Lester were pioneers of what would eventually become music videos, with this movie and "Help!"

But anyway, about "A Hard Day's Night," it's funny looking back and remembering that I didn't even like the movie when I first saw it. I guess I just didn't get it. I was young; I guess I thought that The Beatles would be in a serious movie or something. And I didn't get the humor either. But now, a few years later, it's one of my favorite movies in the world. I absolutely love it!!!

The Beatles are surprisingly good as actors. In my opinion, Paul was really trying to be a good actor the most. Look at the scene early in the film where they're in the hotel room and the grandfather has the line about "invites to gambling clubs!!" Paul is also in the shot; look at his face; he's trying so hard to look real in the situation (sort of a "reaction shot" or something) while the grandfather is speaking.

Also, Ringo has some of the best lines. I love when he says "There ya' go! Hiding behind a smokescreen of bourgeois cliches!" It's so funny, because the script has so many exaggerated parodies of what they really say!

I've been waiting for an exceptional DVD transfer for a few years now. I hope this is it. It should have the original mono soundtrack on it. One reason I say that is, the stereo version of some slight differences in the songs. For example, in the stereo mix of "If I Fell" Paul's voice audibly cracks. Also, is it me or are a lot of the songs slowed down? I guess when they filmed The Beatles lip-synching to the songs, the tape was at the wrong speed or something. Anyway, I also hope to see better DVD's of "Help!" and "Magical Mystery Tour" really soon!!!