Watch Various Artists - The Art of McCartney

Various Artists - The Art of McCartney is a concert film that pays tribute to the legendary singer-songwriter Paul McCartney on his 70th birthday. The film features a star-studded lineup of artists performing some of McCartney's greatest hits, along with some lesser-known tracks, from his long and illustrious career. The performances were recorded at a concert held at the O2 Arena in London in November 2014, and the film features a mix of live performances, behind-the-scenes footage, and interviews with the artists involved.

The film opens with Alice Cooper's electrifying rendition of "Eleanor Rigby," backed by a full orchestra. The camera cuts to the audience, where Paul McCartney himself is seen singing along and tapping his foot to the music. It's a powerful and moving opening that sets the tone for the rest of the film.

From there, the film jumps around between performances by a diverse range of artists, including Roger Daltrey of The Who, Joe Elliott of Def Leppard, Yusuf Islam (formerly known as Cat Stevens), and many more. Each artist brings their own unique style to the songs, while staying true to the spirit of McCartney's original recordings.

Highlights of the film include Daltrey's rendition of "Helter Skelter," which he performs with a raw, punk energy that recalls the song's original inspiration in the late 60s. Yusuf Islam performs a beautiful, stripped-down version of "The Long and Winding Road," which highlights the song's haunting melody and emotional depth.

Other standout performances include Billy Joel's energetic take on "Maybe I'm Amazed," which he performs with a full band and brass section, and Barry Gibb's soulful rendition of "When I'm Sixty-Four."

Throughout the film, the artists share their own personal connections to McCartney's music and the impact it has had on their lives and careers. They offer insights into McCartney's creative process, the stories behind the songs, and the enduring popularity of his music.

One of the most touching moments of the film comes near the end, when McCartney himself takes the stage to perform "Get Back" with the full ensemble of artists. It's a joyful and uplifting moment that celebrates McCartney's legacy and the power of music to bring people together.

Throughout the film, the production values are top-notch, with stunning lighting and camera work that capture the energy and excitement of the live performances. The sound quality is also excellent, with crisp, clear audio that allows the music to shine.

Overall, Various Artists - The Art of McCartney is a fitting tribute to one of the greatest songwriters of all time. It's a must-see for any fan of McCartney's music, as well as anyone who enjoys seeing talented artists perform at the top of their game.

Various Artists - The Art of McCartney is a 2014 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 6 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2.