You are here:

Beatles

Name: Beatles
Director: Peter Flinth
Released: 2014
Duration: 114 min

Representation Score

2.9/10

Limited

2014

Not Rated

Director

Peter Flinth

Runtime

114 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Peter Flinth’s documentary is a detailed look at The Beatles, focusing on historical accuracy and preserving a specific musical legacy. The film is a localized study of Western pop culture, tracing the band's journey from Liverpool to global fame. Since the subject matter is tied to the specific racial and historical identities of the band members, the narrative remains uniform. The film sticks to the historical context of the 1960s without challenging social hierarchies or introducing perspectives that reflect multiple aspects of identity. Overall, the documentary is a traditional biographical record that highlights the professional and creative achievements of the band, resulting in a narrow focus that doesn’t include diverse identities or systemic critiques.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Beatles have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The documentary focuses on the professional and creative journeys of the band members without emphasizing non-straight identities or narratives that question the assumption that everyone is straight.

How does Beatles portray gender?

Limited

The story centers on the male members' professional and creative roles. Female fans and collaborators appear in old footage, but the film doesn't highlight female intellectual or creative leadership.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Beatles?

Minimal

As a study of white British musicians, the film primarily features white subjects. It aligns with the historical context of the band's time.

How does Beatles represent religion and culture?

Fair

The film captures the cultural changes of the 1960s and the emergence of Western pop culture. It presents a positive view rather than critiquing Western dominance.

Does Beatles include disability representation?

Minimal

The film does not focus on neurodivergence, physical disabilities, or mental health issues. It does not use disability as a central theme or tool for character development.

Present on Screen

Provides a detailed look at the band's evolution over time.
Includes interviews with surviving members Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr.
Uses authentic historical footage to provide context.

Limited or Absent

Doesn't represent non-straight identities or subtle references to queerness.
Focuses on male members without highlighting female intellectual or creative leadership.
Doesn't address racial diversity or broader social dynamics of the era.

Official Synopsis

At long last, one of the most important novels in Norwegian history will be made into a film. Beatles relates the story of four Oslo boys born in 1951 and hooked on The Beatles, from the time they as seventh graders find themselves on the threshold of the adult world. The film is all about boyish pranks, hopes, disappointments, and of course about pretty girls, hopeless infatuations, drunkenness and parties. The world is changing, and so is the friendship between the boys. But the conclusion is, true friendship endures all - and no band in the world is better than The Beatles.

How are these scores produced? →