Rebecca Winkler The change of the Beatles` public image reflected in their feature films. DIPLOMA THESIS submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Magistra der Philosophie Programme: Teacher Training Programme Subject: English Subject: History, Social Studies and Political Education Alpen-Adria-Universität Klagenfurt Evaluator Univ.-Prof. Dr. Jörg Helbig, M.A. Alpen-Adria-Universität Klagenfurt Institut für Anglistik und Amerikanistik Klagenfurt, April 2018 1 Affidavit I hereby declare in lieu of an oath that - the submitted academic thesis is entirely my own work and that no auxiliary materials have been used other than those indicated, - I have fully disclosed all assistance received from third parties during the process of writing the thesis, including any significant advice from supervisors, - any contents taken from the works of third parties or my own works that have been included either literally or in spirit have been appropriately marked and the respective source of the information has been clearly identified with precise bibliographical references (e.g. in footnotes), - to date, I have not submitted this thesis to an examining authority either in Austria or abroad and that - when passing on copies of the academic thesis (e.g. in bound, printed or digital form), I will ensure that each copy is fully consistent with the submitted digital version. I understand that the digital version of the academic thesis submitted will be used for the purpose of conducting a plagiarism assessment. I am aware that a declaration contrary to the facts will have legal consequences. Rebecca Winkler e.h. 9570 Ossiach, 8th of April, 2018 (Signature)* (Place, date) 2 Abstract The main focus of this diploma thesis is the Beatles` changing images reflected in their five feature films. Hence, it will be examined why the Beatles were not only influential in the music but also in the film industry. They were intent on appearing as authentic, approachable people and presented the public an ever-changing image of themselves. Therefore, I try to show how their films enabled them to emphasise their changing images in a clever way in order to become one of the most successful bands in the history of music. A major aim of their films was to hide their real personalities in order to maintain the mystery of the Beatles. As a result, they were often staged to appear as genuine as possible without revealing too much of themselves. This is why I examine how the films utilise their general looks, the staging of their music, and each Beatle’s personal development to protect the famous Beatles’ myth in this thesis. First of all, I illustrate how the Beatles` general looks in their films are strongly connected to the change of their images. Their influence on fashion was tremendous and they used clothes to express their personal development. Also, how the Beatles were staged during music performances in their films usually emphasises their changing images, ranging from plain performances encouraging the bands` unity to experimental music videos showing the spirit of the hippie culture. Last but not least, I will consider each Beatle`s individual image change throughout their film career which is strongly connected to their real- life experiences. My analysis will lead to the Beatles` subsequent willingness to reveal their real personas by partially breaking the famous myth of the Beatles in the last feature film of their career. Therefore, this examination of their five feature films in respect to their changing images and personas shows the slow and partial decay of the well-kept Beatles` myth. 3 Acknowledgements First of all, I want to thank my supervisor Professor Dr. Jörg Helbig M.A. for his patience in giving me feedback on the structure for the thesis, citation rules, and also for his advice on compiling the index. I cannot thank him enough for giving me the opportunity to write about the Beatles` feature films, lending me books, and for taking time to listen to all my questions. It really was a great pleasure to be his student and to learn so much from him. In addition, I thank Anthony Hall M.A. for his feedback on the second chapter. Also, I appreciate the help of my parents, sister, boyfriend and friends. My gratitude for their support and feedback during this writing process is endless. 4 Table Of Contents Abstract ..................................................................................................................................... 3 Acknowledgements.................................................................................................................. 4 1.0 Introduction ....................................................................................................................... 8 1.1 The perception of the Beatles` films in public in connection with their changing images as well as critiques .................................................................................................................. 11 2.0 The change of the Beatles` image in respect of their general looks in their films .. 17 2.1 The Beatles` importance for fashion in the 1960s ............................................................. 17 2.2 A HARD DAY`S NIGHT ....................................................................................................... 20 2.2.1 The use of clothing to establish a proper and clean image ...................................................... 20 2.2.2 The use of appearances to establish a playful image .............................................................. 22 2.3 HELP! ................................................................................................................................. 23 2.3.1 Contradiction between ordinary and conceited boys .............................................................. 23 2.3.2 The significance of clothing for the most recognisable band in the world at that time .............. 24 2.4 MAGICAL MYSTERY TOUR ................................................................................................ 26 2.4.1 The Beatles as freedom-loving hippies ................................................................................. 26 2.4.2 The Beatles as hippies inspired by drug consumption ............................................................ 28 2.5 YELLOW SUBMARINE ......................................................................................................... 29 2.5.1 The Beatles as freedom-loving hippies ................................................................................. 29 2.5.2 The Beatles as hippies inspired by drug consumption ............................................................ 30 2.6 LET IT BE ........................................................................................................................... 31 2.6.1 The Beatles` most authentic image ever being shown in a film ............................................... 31 3.0 The Beatles` music in their films in connection with their constantly changing image ................................................................................................................................. 34 3.1 The Beatles` influence on music in the 1960s .................................................................... 34 3.2 A HARD DAY`S NIGHT ....................................................................................................... 36 3.2.1 The Beatles` image as flirtatious men ................................................................................... 36 3.2.2 The Beatles` image as ordinary men ..................................................................................... 37 3.2.3 The Beatles` image as the most popular band in the world ..................................................... 38 3.2.4 The Beatles image as playful and rebellious boys .................................................................. 38 3.3 HELP! ................................................................................................................................. 39 3.3.1 The Beatles` image as ordinary men ..................................................................................... 39 3.3.2 The Beatles` playful and rebellious image ............................................................................ 39 3.3.3 The Beatles` womaniser image changes partially .................................................................. 40 3.4 MAGICAL MYSTERY TOUR ................................................................................................ 41 3.4.1 The Beatles` drug-inspired hippie image gets introduced by colourful staging of their songs .... 41 3.4.2 The Beatles` new image that music unites people and spreads love instead of being womanisers ....................................................................................................................... 42 3.4.3 The Beatles` image of addressing indirectly social problems for the first time in a film in a playful way .................................................................................................................................. 43 3.5 YELLOW SUBMARINE ......................................................................................................... 44 3.5.1 The Beatles` image of being completely apolitical musicians who make no mention of social criticism is over ................................................................................................................. 44 3.5.2 The Beatles` hippie image