Backbeat (1993)
5 guys, 4 legends, 3 lovers, 2 friends, 1 band.
Cast:
Stephen Dorff (Stuart Sutcliffe)
Sheryl Lee (Astrid Kirchherr)
Ian Hart (John Lennon)
Gary Bakewell (Paul McCartney)
Chris O'Neill (George Harrison)
Scot Williams (Pete Best)
Jennifer Ehle (Cynthia Powell)
Directed by Iain Softley
Written by Iain Softley, Michael Thomas, Stephen Ward
Backbeat celebrates 10th Anniversary with special showing at a very special location...
The 'Backbeat' Premier-brought by Stella Artois.....
On Friday 24th October 2003, I visited Abbey Road Studios for a screening of 'Backbeat' the movie.
It was my first visit to Abbey Road and seeing the famous zebra crossing that leads to the 'music mecca' in darkness, was bizarre, let alone being able to step inside.
I arrived to two complimentary drinks (Stella of course), took my seat and waited in anticipation to view this incredible film for the millionth time, only this time I would hear it through Abbey Road's amazing surround sound!
I scanned the room for familiar faces and as the lights dimmed I realised what a buzz it was to be there.
A surprise awaited us as Iain Softley (Director), Ian Hart (Lennon), Stephen Dorff (Sutcliffe) and Chris O'Neill (Harrison) were introduced to the stage to answer any questions the eager audience may have.
Questions were fired to the Cast and Director, such as 'During your research for the film with Astrid, were you able to establish whether there was ever a 'relationship' between John and Stu?' A few sniggers from the audience confirmed the question had not been raised to discover whether the two had been friends or not.
Iain Softley cleverly answered, stating nothing of the sort had ever been discussed, on the other hand should any such revelations have been unearthed he would not be sharing it with us this evening.
Ian Hart, seemed a little uncomfortable and informed the audience that we would regret having our second bottle of Stella once the film had started and Chris O'Neill told us that the cast had been told to get to know each other prior to filming and they did just that by going out for a beer or two in the process. He also made a point of how well Stephen Dorff had learned the Liverpool accent (as he is American), Stephen wasn't convinced and said he would have to watch the film again before trying out the accent once more.
The film was better than ever, the brilliant sound system captured all the film has to offer, magnifying the excitement and enabling me to discover more than I had previously been able to do.
All in all a wonderful night.....although an after show party would have rounded the evening off nicely and it would have also been nice if the film had been shown in studio 2......then again....I don't want much do I?
Thanks to my good friend Tom Lazour for the ticket, I wouldn't have been able to take part if it wasn't for his kindness.
Some film facts are:-
Several of Stu Sutcliffe's original paintings are used in the film.
The film's classic rock 'n' roll score was performed by members of REM, Nirvana, Sonic Youth, Afghan Whigs and Soul Asylum.
Like her character Astrid Kirchherr, Sheryl Lee was born in Germany.
Ian Hart first played John Lennon on screen Munch's 1991 art house drama 'The Hours and The Times'.
Lucy Carter
Stephen Dorff, Chris O'Neill and Ian Hart outside Abbey Road Studios, London October 2003 :: Picture by David Bedford.