In the years since the Beatles’ breakup, fans have pointed to Yoko Ono as a source of tension within the group. Peter Jackson’s new documentary, “Get Back,” may tell a different story. “She’s a very benign presence in the studio,” says Jackson.
For more than 50 years Beatles fans and historians have wondered what caused the worlds most famous band to break up. A new documentary premiering this weekend, produced and directed by Peter Jackson, may cast doubt on one of the more popular narratives regarding Fab Fours split – the role of Yoko Ono.
While sifting through 57 hours of footage shot in January 1969, Jackson said he came to see Onos presence around the band as "benign," doubting the influence she had over the Beatles breakup.
"She never has opinions about the stuff theyre doing," Jackson told 60 Minutes correspondent Jon Wertheim about the footage he worked with. "She doesnt impose herself on them in any way, shape, or form."
Jackson spoke with 60 Minutes correspondent Jon Wertheim about the four-year process of creating "The Beatles: Get Back," a three-part documentary series that begins streaming on Disney+ on Thanksgiving.
The footage used by the New Zealand filmmaker and his team to create "The Beatles: Get Back" was originally shot by director Michael Lindsay-Hogg for the largely forgotten 1970 film "Let it Be." That earlier project would go on to become synonymous with the bands break-up.
Jackson told 60 Minutes Hoggs film "does not show a band falling apart" and in the video below says that poor timing and technical decisions impacted how the public remembers the work.
