Seeing this all unveiled on the live stage though, Lennon shines brightest. The mystic, seemingly untouchable climate of John Lennon is stripped bare as he sits, sings, and plays piano.

Co-directed by Oscar winner Kevin Macdonald and Sam Rice-Edwards, the documentary explores perhaps the least celebrated period of John Lennon and Yoko Ono's life: their first 18 months as New Yorkers.

Kevin Macdonald’s immersive documentary follows the couple from their heady first days in New York to their galvanizing concert at Madison Square Garden in 1972. By Manohla Dargis When you ...