S Poddar
As the highly anticipated Beatles ’64 documentary drops on Disney+, acclaimed director Adam McKay kicked up a storm with a pointed critique of “white liberals” and their enduring fascination with The Beatles.
McKay, known for directing Don’t Look Up, took to X (formerly Twitter) to share his candid thoughts just hours before the release of David Tedeschi’s Beatles ’64. His posts sparked widespread discussion and debate among fans and critics alike.
“Nothing is lamer/funnier than white liberals’ never-ending fascination for The Beatles. It’s so Neo-liberal. ‘They’re the best, right? So let’s never stop micro-focusing on them,’” McKay wrote.
He didn’t stop there. “Liberals always operate from a ‘must get the right answer on the test’ list of approved culture. It’s so lifeless and flat. Like yeah, ‘Happiness is a Warm Gun’ and ‘Day in the Life’ are great tunes, but let’s move past age 13,” he added, sharing his opinion that infatuation with the group feels staid and overly groupthink.
A Polarizing Perspective
Predictably, it led to a flurry of online comments. A user shot back and claimed: “I cannot imagine being sad to live where I let some sort of politics give me a crappy attitude regarding The Beatles of all.”
McKay countered, saying his comments were not political. “Got nothing to do with politics. It’s just that we all get into The Beatles when we’re 12 and then we move on. Being over the age of 30 and regularly talking about The Beatles just means you’re a bore.”
He went on, explaining from a personal perspective about his dynamic relationship with music: “And my love of music is a constant source of joy. It changes and grows in ways I can’t predict. But good lord, to watch a Beatles doc every year? Shoot me dead now.”
McKay’s comments fall during increased buzz for Beatles ’64, a Martin Scorsese-produced documentary that reexamines the meteoric ascension of the band through their first U.S. tour. The film is directed by David Tedeschi and comprises rare, newly restored 4K footage taken by Albert and David Maysles for the original 1964 documentary, What’s Happening! The Beatles in the U.S.A.
The project gives fans an intimate look at The Beatles during their groundbreaking era in the United States, blending archival footage with behind-the-scenes moments. This nostalgic trip to Beatlemania has been met with excitement, particularly among long-time fans of the Fab Four.
McKay’s review is also part of a larger conversation about the role of The Beatles in contemporary culture. For decades, the band has been celebrated across generations, with their music often being used as a cultural reference point.
However, McKay’s comments suggest a frustration with the fixation on certain icons at the expense of broader musical exploration. While acknowledging The Beatles’ talent and enduring appeal, he calls for more diversity in cultural discourse, urging people to move beyond what he perceives as a repetitive focus on past icons.
Many fans find it timeless, while others seem to agree with McKay on the fact that such affection can be stagnant or too restrictive. The argument really brings to question the very nature of how society makes room for the celebration of cultural heritage without allowing any newness in perspective.
Beatles ’64: More of the Same or Something Different?
Whether or not McKay’s words ring true, the release of Beatles ’64 is sure to reignite widespread appreciation for the band. Scorsese’s involvement and the promise of rare, high-quality footage have already generated considerable excitement.
While some, like McKay, may question the need for yet another documentary about the Fab Four, others are thrilled to revisit the energy and cultural significance of their 1964 U.S. tour. For fans, the film is not just about nostalgia—it’s about reliving the magic of a moment that defined an era.
The conversation sparked by McKay illustrates the tension between reverence to the past and the insistence on new cultural narratives. Through Beatles ’64, audiences will come with personal perspectives, whether they are veterans of the Beatles or one of those curious about why everyone is making such a big deal.
One thing is sure: The Beatles are a lightning rod for discussing music, culture, and the enduring power of art. Whether celebrated or criticized, their legacy continues to provoke reactions, ensuring their place in the cultural conversation for years to come.
