A Day in the Life

Rating: 8/10 (7 January 2010)

Coinciding with the release of their third album, this film debut of the Beatles is an irreverent look at a typical day in the life of the quartet from Liverpool. There isn't much of a plot - just a series of vignettes that appear spontaneous and unscripted. Lester, making only his second feature film, uses a hand-held camera much of the time, conveying a sense of urgency. It still feels fresh four decades later and is a precursor to the music videos that became popular two decades later. John, Paul, George, and Ringo show themselves to be natural actors. Musical highlights include "All My Loving," "Can't Buy Me Love," "And I Love Her," "She Loves You," and of course the title song.