The Beatles: Image and the Media

I’m not much for social science theorizing, especially when people start espousing Marshall McLuhan around. I sort of find the whole thing boring, but that’s definitely me and not Michael Frontani’s fault. I really like the photo chosen, manager Brian Epstein is standing right next to the table The Beatles are seated at answering questions from the press. Epstein’s arms are crossed and he’s looking straight into the camera as if to say, “Don’t you even think of fucking with my boys.” And this pretty much sets the tone for Epstein’s relationship with the band and the media, which Frontani explores with grace. There’s the question of what is image, and who controls what is presented and how that gets interpreted, which show more is where the social science part comes in. There are comparisons of both British and American reactions to things like John Lennon’s quote of, “We’re more popular that Jesus.” Which was a true statement, not meant to insult Christians or Christianity, yet Americans behaving as if John himself had crucified the Christ. Britain yawned and wondered what those wacky Americans were up to.

Overall, Frontani presents a good mixture of historical facts about The Beatles’ presentation to the world via the media all the while discussing what the reaction to said presentation was around the world. It’s an interesting read for the most part, and probably a really good one if social science theorizing is something you find interesting. Not one I would have picked up and read on my own, not sorry to have read it for class and not keeping it either. show less