"TWST: Things We Said Today", the new Andrei Ujica documentary, dives into the iconic Beatles' Shea Stadium concert that took place in August 1965. However, the documentary doesn't actually depict the concert itself.
Despite this seemingly frustrating setup, the film uniquely blends two nonfiction genres - the tone poem and the city symphony. This fusion emphasizes Ujica's expert handling of archival materials and whimsical maps that produce an ethereal yet hyper-realistic movie.
The film commences on August 13, 1965, as the Beatles land in New York City. Ignoring reports of their impending usurpation by upcoming bands, the Beatles are welcomed warmly by their fans. However, this adoration contrasts sharply with the cynical perspective portrayed by local reporters.
Presented through stunning black-and-white footage and overlaid with diverse radio clips, the documentary provides an unfiltered glimpse into that world-changing day in August. Ujica creates an artistic realism that he often tempers by reminding viewers of the staged nature of the film.
Narrated by several guides, including the teenage Geoffrey O’Brien, son of a famous NYC DJ, and Judith Kristen, an adolescent concert enthusiast, the documentary is a tapestry of real, fabricated, and fictional events. Through charming illustrations by artist Yann Kebbi, the film takes us through the city's nooks and crannies, towards the eagerly anticipated show in Shea Stadium.
Painted against the backdrop of historical events such as the World’s Fair and Watts rebellion, Ujica forces transcendental connections that accentuate the socio-cultural nuances of that time.
In an unexpected twist, the soundtrack is a collage of other hit songs from that era, hinting at the concurrent cultural upheavals that ran parallel to the legendary Beatles concert.
Therefore, this documentary is more than just a Beatles tribute, with Ujica skillfully illustrating the complexities of the time without detracting from the event's profound significance. So, even though viewers never get to see the anticipated concert footage, they are left with a beautiful narrative encapsulating an era characterized by many profound transitions.
