Benz Eye View: Yesterday

Yesterday

Pros: 

1.) The exploration of a failed singer-songwriter stealing popular songs from the Beatles when the world has suddenly forgotten about them is intriguing.  What I like about it is that the main character, Jack Malik is humble by the fact that he is not a great songwriter while at the same time, he is clearly guilty that he is plagiarizing from someone famous.  Normally, that guilt does not come in until the lowest point, but it is shown throughout the film.  It helps make the character more likable and interesting as a result, and it makes you wonder how the film is going to end (though it is somewhat predictable how).  I like the story overall, and it reinforces the saying, “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.”

2.) When Jack’s road to fame was getting dull, what ends up bringing me back is the relationship between Jack and Ellie.  While it does have some of its romantic clichés, their characteristics made up for it.  Normally, I would expect the female love interest question why the male love interest does not pursue her, but Ellie is selfless enough not do that, so she is willing to let Jack go despite how much it breaks her heart.  What happens after that…if you are into romance, you know exactly what is going to happen.  Regardless, I do like the relationship between these two, and how it grows as the film progresses.

3.) When the cinematography follows the same style as the Beatles (or at least, the 70s), you know it is paying tribute to the band.  I am probably looking at this a little too closely, but many of the cinematography choices remind of some of the 70s cinema where they love to create some weird imagery.  While I was never a fan of those types of movies, I am glad that they used its technique sparingly in this film.  It makes use of how these songs had tremendous fame at the time (and even today) while focusing on the down-to-earth moments when the technique is not used.  It uses the cinematography creatively.

 

Cons: 

1.) The constant interruptions got a little annoying.  Those moments where a character was going to do or say something, someone or something (i.e. someone knocking on the door, a cell phone ringing) interrupts him/her.  I was fine with it for a while, but the constant repetition got a little predictable on key moments.  Thankfully, it stopped after a while, but it is a clichés that is constantly used in the first half of the film.

2.) The film is a little too long.  There are two reasons for this: many by-the-books genre clichés and unnecessary scenes.  For the genre clichés, think about it.  Failed or upcoming songwriter becomes popular, he/she does not like the popularity, he/she realizes he/she misses something in his/her life, and he/she gets it or not while keeping or not keeping his/her fame.  Sorry if it seems I spoiled the film, but the trailer kind of made it obvious what is going to happen.  For the unnecessary scenes, I think it is obvious to say that certain scenes are not needed in context of the film.  Remove some of these obstacles, and the film will do just fine.

3.) I apologize, but I am not too knowledgeable when it comes to the Beatles.  I know of a few songs, but I am more of a fan of orchestral music (usually from films and video games).  As a result, some of the meanings, jokes, and discussions in the film are lost to me.  It is not enough to make me hate the film, but some of the references will be lost to you if you are not a music fan, or at least a Beatles fan.

 

Overall: 

A failed songwriter wakes up one day to find his favorite band, the Beatles does not exist, so he steals their songs, and credits them as his own.  Already a great idea for a film.  While it does have its predictable and clichés moments, I do like the film overall.  If love Beatles music and enjoy up-and-coming singers, I am sure Bohemian Rhapsody or Rocketman are great, but Yesterday will do just fine.

7/10