MOVIE REVIEW
TWST - Things We Said Today
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Genre: Documentary
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 26m
Director(s): Andrei Ujică
Where To Watch: showing at the 2024 Venice International Film Festival

RAVING REVIEW: When The Beatles landed in New York City in the summer of 1965, they brought with them more than just their music—they carried a seismic wave of cultural impact that transformed the Big Apple into an epicenter of historical excitement, unlike anything we’ve ever seen. TWST - THINGS WE SAID TODAY captures this monumental moment, offering a dynamic window into the city's vibrant pulse during a truly legendary concert at Shea Stadium.

This documentary stitches together a collage of the 1960s, utilizing broadcasts from ABC, CBS, and NBC alongside grainy 8mm home movies. It dives into the Beatles’ triumphant arrival and the bustling New York streets, immersing viewers in the palpable excitement of the era. The carefully curated footage serves as a time machine, bringing to life the frenetic energy and cultural climax that enveloped the city.

Adding a contemporary layer to the historical narrative, TWST - THINGS WE SAID TODAY introduces animated additions featuring four fictional teenagers exploring 1965. This creative choice deepens the historical exploration and bridges the generational gap, allowing the film to resonate with both those who remember the 1960s and those discovering its wonders for the first time.

The documentary broadens its scope beyond The Beatles, weaving in significant events of the era like the New York World’s Fair and the Watts riots. These inclusions paint a broader picture of the time, highlighting the complex interplay of cultural achievements and societal challenges. The film navigates these historical waters, showing how technological advancements, social unrest, and cultural phenomena collectively shaped the modern era.

The film's narrative is defined by a stark depiction of contrasts, with the optimistic vision of the World’s Fair set against the backdrop of the riots that would forever change our world. This juxtaposition highlights the duality of hope and conflict that characterized 1965, providing a more nuanced understanding of the societal dynamics.

Exploring themes of memory and legacy, the documentary employs fictional figures to embody the spirit of the 1960s. These characters within the footage are a poignant reminder of the past's enduring influence on the present. The blend of archival clarity and animated additions crafts a viewing experience that is both immersive and reflective, echoing the elusive nature of memory.

By challenging traditional perspectives on history and memory, TWST - THINGS WE SAID TODAY posits that history is an ever-evolving cycle of interconnected stories and events. It shows how historical storytelling illustrates that each moment, no matter how small, contributes to the collective narrative.

Reflective of its title, a Beatles song, the documentary emphasizes the fleeting nature of the present as it swiftly becomes the past yet continues to shape our present understanding and future trajectories. It encourages viewers to contemplate their personal histories and the ongoing impact of past events on contemporary society.

TWST - THINGS WE SAID TODAY is a profound meditation on the interplay between memory and history. Through its innovative use of archival material and broad narrative reach, the film reflects on a past that remains alive in our collective consciousness. It challenges viewers to think critically about the complexities of the 1960s and their lasting influence on today’s world. It ensures that this documentary does more than just recount events—it inspires a deeper understanding of our shared history.

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[photo courtesy of TANGAJ PRODUCTION, LES FILMS DU CAMÉLIA, MINERVA PICTURES INTERNATIONAL]

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