‘How the Beatles Changed the World’ review: A look at the 2017 documentary

As a gamer who grew up listening to The Beatles on my dad’s old vinyl records, I can confidently say that “How the Beatles Changed the World” is a must-watch for any music lover or history buff. This documentary does an outstanding job of illustrating not just their musical innovations but also their profound impact on global culture during the 1960s and beyond.


2017’s “How the Beatles Impacted the World” is a documentary that investigates the significant cultural, musical, and societal influence of the iconic band, The Beatles. Directed by Tom O’Dell, this film delves into how this legendary British group not only reshaped popular music but also left an indelible mark on global culture during the 1960s and beyond. The movie tackles a wide range of topics, and does so quite effectively.

In this movie, you’ll learn fundamental aspects of the groundbreaking musical advancements made by The Beatles. The film highlights how the group pioneered new paths in music. Furthermore, it provides light-hearted trivia, like how Lennon earned the nickname “the intelligent one,” McCartney “the charming one,” Harrison “the reserved one,” and Starr “the fortunate one” (since he was often perceived as less musically gifted compared to others in a similar role, such as Meg White from The White Stripes).

The film delves into the band’s early successes, creative experiments, and the impact albums such as “Rubber Soul,” “Revolver,” and “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” had on music production and consumption. It offers a glimpse into their transition from producing “bubblegum pop” to a more sophisticated sound. The movie showcases their innovative blend of diverse musical genres, including Indian classical music and elements that later defined psychedelic rock, as proof of their groundbreaking creativity that continues to dominate the charts today.

In simpler terms, while Link Wray’s “Rumble” from 1958 could be categorized as early psychedelic rock, The Beatles were indeed among the pioneers of this genre, making them one of the earliest bands to create music with a psychedelic influence. For those interested in delving into Indian psychedelic music, you might find the Electric Psychedelic Sitar Headswirlers compilation series intriguing.

How the Beatles Changed the World explores the cultural and social impact of The Beatles (“Beatlemania”)

As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but marvel at how The Beatles transformed not just the music scene, but the very fabric of society during their time. “Beatlemania” wasn’t merely a frenzy; it was a cultural phenomenon that catapulted them into iconic status. This captivating documentary reveals their pivotal role in shaping the vibrant counterculture of the 1960s, advocating for peace, pushing boundaries, and even influencing the now-famous “I ran away to join a commune” ideal.

From a devoted fan’s perspective, this documentary delves deep into the personal metamorphoses of the legendary band, The Beatles. It offers an intimate look at each member, tracing their unique artistic and personal evolution throughout their groundbreaking careers. Remarkably, it highlights John Lennon’s political activism and George Harrison’s spiritual journey as significant factors that shaped their public persona and enduring legacy.

Media revolution

The documentary, titled “How the Beatles Shaped the Globe,” delves into the ingenious ways The Beatles utilized mass media to their benefit. From inventing the contemporary music video format to shaping television and radio, they were truly groundbreaking. As one quote within the film highlights: “The Beatles were the most commercially successful band globally. Yet, they were also incredibly avant-garde and experimental.” The documentary uncovers how they managed to seize the world’s focus and contributed significantly to the discourse on culture and society (often referred to as the “spirit of the times”).

As a passionate Beatles fan, I can’t help but share my excitement over a captivating documentary that delves deep into the impact of this legendary band on 20th-century culture. It features insights from journalists, historians, and cultural critics, coupled with archival footage of The Beatles during crucial stages in their career. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual observer, this documentary offers a profound understanding of the far-reaching influence of The Beatles. While it may not cover every single aspect of the band, and it’s trendy to criticize these days, if you’re intrigued by their role in shaping our cultural landscape, this film provides a substantial exploration of their legacy that might just spark newfound appreciation for the band.

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2024-10-10 21:01