The Love We Make [Blu-ray] [2011]

Paul McCartney is something of an enigma in the world though even as a die hard fan it is rare you get an insight into Paul's life outside of the studio or off stage from the man himself which is what intrigued me about this film. Despite the events that led to this film that been the 9/11 terrorist attacks it does focus purely on Paul's movements over the weeks following that day. Though I do feel in some ways this film does mislead the viewer into the reasoning as to why Paul is actually there and doing this. From the opening Paul explains he was of course at JFK airport when the attacks occurred and basically he says in as many words he felt he should be there. Which as I say even as a fan of Paul for a few moments it feels as though you should be asking at such a time why he feels New York and America need him there specifically. It doesn't show the fact he was asked to do the concert etc. I do not direct this as criticism but as an outsider watching this film it can easily be misread as him just "taking it upon himself" and it all feels a bit like Bono trying to save Africa.

That said the film starts to make sense after the opening 10 minutes and becomes a must see film for anyone who is a fan or even interested in these kind of music documentaries. It is shot primarily in black and white apart from several clips of the concert at the end which revert to colour. As I said before the insight into someone like Paul McCartney's working day is the real treasure here watching him been driven around a city to various interviews and meet and greets while been hounded constantly by fans never ceases to fascinate the viewer. Other key but easily missed scenes involves for example him appearing to meet Ozzy Osbourne for the first time. And effortlessly chatting to various celebrities and musicians such as James Taylor, Eric Clapton, Pete Townsend, Bill Clinton, Harrison Ford and Jim Carey to name a few. There is several clips of Paul performing both in rehearsals and then the concert itself which also shows clips of the other artists on the bill but they are only clips and is not the full concert.

Even though the film is 90 minutes long it feels a long journey and it should never be forgotten why this film was made.

On September 11th, Paul McCartney was sitting on a plane waiting to fly back to England, when the pilot announced they could not take off. Looking out of the plane window, Paul saw the World Trade Center on fire. Never a man to just sit around, Paul decided to organise a concert to help the firefighters of New York. As we all know, Paul's father was a fireman during the Blitz, hence his alter ego, so obviously it is a cause close to his heart. However, as a concert was already being organised, Paul was asked to headline that instead of his own, which he was happy to do. The Concert for New York was a one-off concert to raise money for the firefighters, rescue workers, police officers and the families of those who died during the attacks.

This film was shot mostly in black and white by Albert Maysles, who was with the Beatles in 1964. Maysles takes footage of Paul leading up to the concert. For fans of Paul this is really fascinating stuff, as he walks the streets of New York (feeling like the mayor!) and is interviewed by several people, as well as meeting up with many old friends. Some of the interviews are quite sad, not only because of 9/11, but also because many of the questions about Linda. It is also interesting to see how aware Paul is of who are real fans (with whom he is always courteous) and who are asking for autographs to sell. He can spot a fake at 60 feet, that's for sure!

The actual concert seems to start with the most awful version of "America" by David Bowie I have ever heard (I've seen Bowie in concert, so know this is not representative of the great man, but I have to be honest), but then thankfully moves on to James Taylor, Billy Joel, Mick Jagger, Eric Clapton, etc. There are only clips of songs, this is not the film of the whole concert. There is also lots of footage of Paul backstage, meeting and greeting, with Bill Clinton and Stella among others, as well as chatting to the firemen of New York. Altogether, this is a very interesting account of those weeks after the 9/11 attacks of New York. The concert clips are great, including a beautiful version of "Yesterday" and a grand finale of "Let it Be" and "Freedom".

This is a film about a concert, not of a concert. It shows how Paul McCartney was instrumental in bringing together many of the biggest names of the day for a good cause. The music itself looks to be good - but it is shown only in snippets, to give a flavour for what went on that night.

It's a 'watch it once' film ... massive fan though I am of Paul McCartney, I can't see myself returning to this again and again. It's interesting, even absorbing in places and it treads very carefully so that the emphasis is always, and successfully, on Paul's genuine motivation to do something for the heroes of 9/11.

It is mainly in black and white - I think to emphasise that this is not meant to be a glossy 'look what I did, see how clever I am' film, but more of a documentary about how pop stars can use their talents to help others. It certainly left me thinking 'well done, Paul: that was good.' It most certainly does not fall into the trap of exploiting the tragic events of 9/11.

Outstanding? No ... nor is it meant to be. This is a sober, low-key documentary.

Very good? Yes, it is worth watching ... but don't expect to play it over and over again. As an entertainment, it probably falls somewhere between three and four stars. But because it does exactly what it sets out to do, I'll mark it up rather than down - four stars.