Watch Message to Love

Message to Love is a documentary film that was released in 1996. It is directed by Murray Lerner and features famous musicians such as Ian Anderson, Joan Baez, and Martin Barre. The documentary follows the story of the Isle of Wight Festival, which took place in 1970 on the island of the same name. The festival was a major music event of its time, and it attracted some of the biggest names in the industry. It was also an important cultural moment, as it took place during a time of social upheaval and political turbulence. The documentary captures this sense of excitement and possibility, as well as the challenges that the organizers faced in putting together such a massive event.

One of the key themes of the documentary is the tension that existed between the artists and the organizers of the festival. Many of the musicians felt that they were being exploited and mistreated, and they resented the fact that they were not being paid fairly for their performances. Some even went so far as to demand that the festival be shut down, and there were several confrontations between the artists and the police.

Despite these tensions, the festival was a huge success, and it drew crowds of up to 600,000 people. The documentary captures the sense of community and camaraderie that existed among the attendees, as well as the sheer spectacle of the event. There are plenty of great performances on display, including sets by Jimi Hendrix, The Who, and The Doors.

The documentary also provides a fascinating insight into the cultural and political climate of the time. There are interviews with activists and campaigners who were fighting for social justice, as well as footage of protests and marches that took place during the festival. These events provide a powerful backdrop to the music, highlighting the social and political issues that were at the forefront of people's minds.

One of the standout features of Message to Love is its innovative use of split-screen editing. This technique allows the documentary to show multiple perspectives at once, juxtaposing images of musicians performing with footage of protests and demonstrations. This adds a dynamic and kinetic quality to the film, making it feel like a true reflection of the energy and excitement of the festival.

Overall, Message to Love is a fascinating and engaging documentary that captures a key moment in musical and cultural history. It provides a unique and insightful glimpse into the Isle of Wight Festival of 1970, as well as the wider social and political context in which it took place. With its stunning performances, engaging interviews, and innovative editing, it is a must-see for any music fan or cultural historian.