The Hours and Times [DVD]

This package includes a "Featurette" which should be viewed before the feature. It explains why it looks like a successful film student project and why its' minimalist values take some getting used to. That will put the movie at an unoffical [approx.] 70 minutes.A part of Beatles' lore is that the same-sex leanings of their genius Manager, Brian Epstein, became fully known to his group's leader, John Lennon, at a vacation spot, just before the world consumed both parties.In 1988, when this film was started, such a relationship had more resonance, culturally. Today...so what? A couple of guys take off for a week or so, and something happens that one of the guys is not sure he wanted to happen. Anyway, it still holds alot of interest because...it's "The Beatles".A good scene is near the end: at the Hotel Suite in Barcelona, "Lennon" draws a bath, soon to be joined by "Epstein". An embrace follows, initiated by John. Is it true romantic passion, or is it a complicated man's expression of *brotherly* love?We are inclined to believe an aspect of the artists' personality was impulsive and honest, because suddenly he appears repulsed by his move, and he is "saved" psychologically/socially by a female fan who shows up at the Hotel, in an alluring outfit, ready to rumble, ready to dance? She is carrying a copy of Little Richard's new recording of "I'm In Love Again". Lennon grabs it, mentions that his group opened for Richard the year before, places it on the turntable and dances freely about with the lady - a groovy little twister, I might add.This scene seems to snap JL back into that brave new (inherited from Richard and co.) world, where "straight" is the way for a young, rockin' stud.Intentionally or unintentionally, there are black and white qualities of Richard Lester's classic "A Hard Day's Night", featuring John and co.Ian Hart, playing the 23 year old Lennon, seems a bit too young, but his understated performance is excellent. David Angus as Epstein, has alot less resemblance, but his brooding, tormented portrayal is notable."The Hours And Times" is anyone's "Life" and times really *hours* and times?

In 1963 when brand-new father John Lennon went on holiday with The Beatles' green manager, Brian Epstein, instead of heading off to Tenerife with his other three bandmates, it opened a Pandora's box of speculation as to the exact nature of that trip to Barcelona. Those who intimated that it had been a bit of a "honeymoon" were later viciously attacked by an irate Lennon, who insisted till his dying day, to one degree or another, that it had merely been a business trip. We'll never know ther exact nature of that "business" and, frankly, this reader doesn't really care to know, but the brief film poses an interesting conjecture as to what may or may not have transpired. Sadly, the only two people who know the truth of the matter are sitting in Nirvana together, laughing their butts off at all of us who continue to be fascinated by the endless permutations of history as it pertains to our heroes, The Beatles. This is a sensitive and cinematically above par attempt at portraying one of those presumptions.

This had some interesting dialogue and it was very well acted with nuanced performances depicting John Lennon & Brian Epstein ...but ultimately it becomes a lazy mess of a movie. The black & white cinematic depiction only works for so long until it becomes pretentious. For a more accurately researched speculation & entertainment about this exact time I recommend reading the books by author Jude Southerland Kessler.

An art-house film about what may have occurred during Brian Epstein and John Lennon's four-day vacation at Barcelona, Spain in 1963. Filmed in black and white, with a style very reminiscent of 1950's/early 1960's photography and direction, give the film a bit of a documentary feel to it.David Angus did a very good job capturing the persona of Brian Epstein as I've seen via Beatles documentary footage. Brian is clearly the central character in theis film. Ian Hart portrays John Lennon, and with a little imagination on the viewers' part, he did Ok, but it seems that Mr. Hart plays Lennon a little too young here. (Ian Hart reprises John Lennon a few years later on "BackBeat" as a younger Lennon but with a different aproach).With out giving away the story, both men goes to Spain with different expectations. Some items showcased within are documented or previously written about and others clearly came out of the film-maker's head.This film is definitely not main-stream so it may not appeal to everyone. I like off-the-wall stuff. After seeing this, I was not disappointed. I may have given this flick five star but Ian Hart's non-stellar performance as Lennon cost it. (Well, it got him a second chance to play Lennon again I guess).Try it, you may like it.

Very interesting flick. Unusual and fun to watch. Pure fiction, though.

So slow .Spanish: MUCHAS INCONGRUENCIAS.There is not so much about BARCELONA. The town.I do not like it.