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Eccleston channels John Lennon in ‘Masterpiece’ LLateaughs Living for today By Kyla Brewer TV Media J ohn Lennon wasn’t a mere celebrity.He wasn’t just a star performer.He was an icon whose art reached beyond the entertainment industry into the social consciousness of his day. Tragically,he was made a music martyr when he was as- sassinated in 1980.Since then, countless films, television shows,books,articles and songs have been devoted to the one and only Lennon,not to mention his former band The Beatles. Another exploration of the legend’s life is on the horizon as PBS’s “Masterpiece Contempo- rary”presents “Lennon Naked,” premiering Sunday,Nov.21,on PBS (check local listings). The “Masterpiece”produc- tion was shaped by a number of interviews and recordings with the late star,and examines the period between 1964 and 1971, with flashbacks to his childhood. The title refers to the album “Two Virgins,”which Lennon made with Yoko Ono and on the cover of which both appeared nude.Far from fluff,“Lennon Naked”has been heralded as an honest portrayal of Lennon and his torments,and much of that is thanks to its headlining star. Playing an icon such as Lennon could be daunting,es- pecially considering how many biopics have already been made.But Christopher Eccle- ston, the actor best known as We Pay $$$ For Kids Stuff! Children’s Clothing - Newborn to youth size 16 Furniture and Equipment Toys, Books and More! Payment on the spot for all items accepted No appointment Necessary Once Upon a Child 1 x 3” WalMart Plaza on US 33W (behind Steak ‘n Shake) Goshen • 574-830-5332 Open M-F 10-8 • Sat. 10-6 • Sun. 12-5 5936 Grape Road (Indian Ridge near Hacienda) Mishawaka • 574-247-1099 the ninth incarnation of Doctor Who,has wowed critics with his depiction of Lennon.After its broadcast in the U.K., the Sun- day Express applauded the ac- tor for his “convincing and nu- anced performance of the late, great Beatle,”while the Daily Telegraph referred to his per- formance as “sheer brio.” After training at Hamp- stead’s Central School of Speech and Drama,Eccleston performed classics such as Shakespeare and Chekhov before making his pro- fes- sional debut Christopher Eccleston as John Lennon in “Lennon Naked” in “A Streetcar Named Desire” with Bristol’s Old Vic.He ap- peared in a number of films and television roles,most notably BBC Two’s “Our Friends of the North,”which made him a household name. However,Eccleston’s true fame arrived in 2005,when he snagged the coveted title role in the iconic series “Doctor Who.” His departure from the show just one year later sparked much speculation and contro- versy among “Who”fans. North American viewers may recognize Eccleston for his role as Claude Rains in NBC’s now defunct “Heroes,”which he joined in 2007. As Lennon in this “Master- piece Contemporary”episode, Eccleston guides viewers through the songwriter’s experiences, from the height of The Beatles’ fame to his relationship with Yoko Ono (Naoko Mori) and the ensuing demise of the band. The production takes audiences through the turmoil that led to Lennon and Ono’s 1971 self-imposed exile in New York. There is also a sel- dom-done examina- tion of the relationship between Lennon and his father, Freddie Lennon (Christopher Fairbank), who left when John was just a boy.He turned up for a reunion of sorts 17 Payroll Processing • Direct Deposit • Free Delivery • Professional, Yet Competitively Priced Lucks & Weaver 2 x 3” Please Visit One Of Our Convenient Locations: 157 S. Main St. • Nappanee, IN 46550 • p. 574.773.4611 719 E. Bristol St. • Elkhart, IN 46514 • p. 574.264.0395 204 W. Lincoln • Goshen, IN 46526 • p. 574.534.7325 905 S. Huntington • Syracuse, IN 46567 • p. 574.457.4226 years later,a moment explored in the film. Andrew Scott tackles the role of Lennon’s writing partner and bandmate Paul McCartney,while Claudie Blakely plays John’s first wife,Cynthia.Rory Kinnear ap- pears as legendary manager Bri- an Epstein,whose death from a drug overdose in 1967 affected Lennon profoundly.Allan Cor- duner portrays Lennon’s primal- scream therapist,Art Janov. The film follows Lennon’s ther- apy with Janov as he confronts childhood trauma,and features more than one meeting with his surprisingly likeable father.The Beatles face financial troubles and deal with turmoil within the band’s Apple record label.Film- makers also examine the collapse of Lennon’s first marriage and his abandonment of his son, Julian. “Lennon Naked”takes a look at the dark side of Lennon’s fame as he and Yoko face a hos- tile reception while in England,a factor in their eventual depar- ture.Despite his many hardships, Eccleston’s Lennon responds with a quick and cool wit. The consensus among critics has been that the film is far from lighthearted, instead focusing on the troubled Lennon in his darkest years.The result is a look at an artist whose influence is still felt by the world 30 years af- ter his death. PBS also commemorates the 30th anniversary of Lennon’s passing with “American Masters: Lennon NYC,”airing Tuesday, Nov.22 (check local listings). Filmmakers take a look back at Lennon’s life in the 1970s,when he and Ono shared a home in the Big Apple with their son,Sean. Following the breakup of The Beatles, Lennon moved to New York in an attempt to escape his Beatles-era fame.While living in Manhattan’s Upper West Side, he penned some of his most ac- claimed songs. Filmmakers reveal that it was also a very political time for Lennon,as he continued to protest the Vietnam war.The film examines his and Ono’s struggle to remain in the U.S.,despite the Nixon administration’s efforts to deport them.While Nixon’s co- horts claimed narcotics viola- tions, Lennon insisted his family was being targeted for its activi- ties as part of the anti-war movement. 2 The Goshen News • Viewer’s Choice • Saturday, November 20, 2010 - Friday, November 26, 2010 The Tonight Show: Jay Leno Authorities believe those suspicious deliveries by UPS last week may have been a dry run for a terrorist plot or a really smart move by FedEx. Brett Favre had to be carted off the field this weekend after taking a hit that required 10 stitches in his chin. And while they were at it, just to be on the safe side, the doctors also stitched up the front of his pants. All year long, the Democrats were telling people to “get out and vote.” Then people told the Democrats, “We voted, now get out!” The Late Show: David Letterman Pontiac is out of business. If you want to see a Pontiac now, you have to go to Cuba or to Jay Leno’s garage. Charlie Sheen trashed his hotel room in New York City last week. You know you’re in trouble in the hotel room when you call housekeeping and FEMA shows up. Over the weekend, there were bomb packages from Yemen sent by the same guy who had the underpants bomb. I’m telling you, this guy has made more bombs than Kevin Costner. 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