Tropic Sprockets / Lost Weekend: A Love Story

By Ian Brockway

The realm of John Lennon is ubiquitous in 20th century culture not only because of the Beatles, but also because of his role in supporting the compelling concept of world peace. Now with the documentary “Lost Weekend: A Love Story,” directed by Eve Brandstein, Richard Kaufman, and Stuart Samuels, one is given a portrait of the rock legend unhinged and seduced by Dionysus. Though it covers an upsetting period in Lennon’s life, the film has a lightness of spirit that is absolutely compelling. Central to the story is May Pang, John and Yoko’s young aide who had no intention of initiating a romance with John, but who was nonetheless encouraged by Yoko herself, in order to impose control. To the uninformed this is a shocking revelation. [Check Tropiccinema.com for showtimes and trailer.]

In the early 70s John and Yoko were not getting along. Yoko thought the best way to work through this was to exert a form of manipulation and order.

May Pang is a very amiable and charismatic character, taken aback and surprised by the whole situation, as one could guess.

John quickly became smitten by Pang and the pair went to Los Angeles to work on a new album for Harry Nielsen. During this period, Lennon reunited with his son Julian, and this segment of the film proves very touching. Lennon also reconnected with Paul McCartney and met with David Bowie and Elton John and became an honorary member of The Hollywood Vampires headed by Alice Cooper. Though it was a time of great sadness for John regarding Yoko, it was also a time of creative experimentation for Lennon with his music.

Yoko Ono does not fare so well in the film. She appears petty and manipulative, controlling phone calls and orchestrating emotions. According to the film, her number one motivation is control. Whatever you think, May Pang will steal your heart. She is as vivacious as she is strong, without any pulls of ulterior motivation. She emerges as a puzzled participant who cannot help her romantic feelings for Lennon, which are natural and organic.

The film features lively and comical animated drawings by Lennon himself, which add a bit of levity to the drama.

Your heart will hurt for May, and you will pine for her. She was practically jilted at the emotional altar by Lennon’s sudden coldness as he could not resist Yoko’s Svengali-like hold.

John did try to reach out to Pang in private but was killed shortly thereafter.

Seen in this way John Lennon and May Pang emerge like Romeo and Juliet, star-crossed lovers, destined to touch with a clandestine intimacy for all eternity.

The final moments in the film between May Pang and Julian Lennon will not fail to produce a few tears.

Write Ian at [email protected]

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