George Harrison: Living in the Material World Review- By Michael Carlisle

 Title: George Harrison: Living in the Material World
Year: 2011
Director: Martin Scorsese
Country: US
Language: English

The Beatles were an English rock band that formed in Liverpool, in 1960. The group consisted of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr and George Harrison. They were the most famous group of that, and arguably, any era of music. Their influence knows no boundaries, even when they split up they each had successful solo careers. While Lennon and McCartney are the most famous of the group, few people look into Harrison's post-Beatle life & work. In my opinion, he is the most talented Beatle. 

Directed by Martin Scorsese, this film explores the life and career of this seminal musician, philanthropist, film producer and amateur race car driver who grew to make his own mark on the world. Every aspect of Harrison's life is covered via extensive interviews and archival footage of the great man.

Scorsese's documentary is a spiritual journey, tracing Harrison's search for himself in the face of incoming distractions. He appears to be the unhappiest of the Beatles; always lost in his own mind and desperate to find any meaning in life. He searches for inner peace in the midst of stardom; finding LSD, Eastern religion and Hare Krishna with John Lennon. Scorsese extensively covers his time in the Beatles, but also notes that Harrison seemed held back by them. He wrote hundreds of songs, but only a few, like Something, would make their albums. 

George believed that a great purpose of life was to prepare oneself for death, He spent a great deal of his time meditating and attempting to reach serenity. Lennon's death in 1980 came to a great shock to him, making him fully think through his life goals. Scorsese covers this and much more through in-depth interviews with his loved ones and archival footage of Harrison's own reflections, giving great light to the various events in Harrison's life.

In conclusion, Living in the Material World transcends documentary film-making and feels much more like poetry on film. We go through Harrison's spiritual quest with him and deal with the blows as they come. Scorsese makes a convincing argument for why Harrison is the greatest Beatle. Praise it! 5/5