A documentary on the political life of John Lennon, including the anti-war activities that earned him the extra-special attention of the United States government. Accompanied by a Lennon-only soundtrack and narration from Yoko Ono, this is a poignant and insightful look at one of the most influential and iconic men of the 20th century.
The battle which was waged over several years between Lennon and the U.S. government is described in the documentary The U.S. vs. John Lennon, directed by David Leaf a... more >
The battle which was waged over several years between Lennon and the U.S. government is described in the documentary The U.S. vs. John Lennon, directed by David Leaf and John Scheinfeld and produced by VH1 and Lionsgate. The film not only explores Lennon’s deportation fight but also looks at his life during the period 1966-1976, highlighting his role in the Vietnam War protest movement. Previously unforeseen footage of Lennon’s public appearances is shown, ranging from his mocking “bed-ins” and press conference wrapped in a bed sheet to a concert in Ann Arbor in 1971 in support of John Sinclair, a musician given a 10-year sentence for selling two joints to an undercover policeman.
Over thirty interviews are also included with supporters that range from Vietnam veteran Ron Kovic, author Gore Vidal, radical spokespersons Noam Chomsky and Angela Davis, writer Paul Krassner, to Senator George McGovern, Governor Mario Cuomo, and commentators Walter Cronkite and Giraldo Rivera.
Determined to use his power as a superstar to help end the war, Lennon became involved with Black Panther leader Bobby Seale, radicals Abbie Hoffman and Jerry Rubin but maintained his adherence to non-violence. It was these friendships, however, that supposedly led to the government putting him under close surveillance.
Wiretaps were soon followed by an order for his deportation, a tactic that had been suggested by Senator Strom Thurmond of South Carolina. The U.S. vs. John Lennon is an unabashedly liberal documentary that is a powerful reminder of the lunacy of the Vietnam War and the strength and courage of one man who made a difference. John Lennon’s assassination in 1980 evoked worldwide shock and outrage and the film is a worthy tribute to the man and his music. < less
