“Daytime Revolution” offers a captivating glimpse into the evolution of activism, drawing parallels between John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s iconic legacy and the contemporary hipster movements that seek to engage Middle America. The film deftly explores how modern activists are reinterpreting the ideals of peace and love in a landscape marked by political division and social media influence.
The documentary shines when it delves into the personal stories of these hipster activists, showcasing their grassroots efforts to mobilize communities around pressing issues. Their approach, blending art and advocacy, mirrors Lennon and Ono’s original vision but adapts it to today’s cultural context. The juxtaposition of historical footage with present-day activism serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring relevance of their message.
Visually stunning and rich in historical context, “Daytime Revolution” is not just a homage to the past but also a call to action for the future. It invites viewers to reconsider what activism looks like in a digital age, making it a thought-provoking watch for anyone interested in the intersection of culture and social change.
Miyamoto, Schwarz, Rosenbloom and Relief are among a handful of guests adding commentary in the present day, rewashing video of their appearances and recalling their initial disbelief when they got the call to appear with Lennon and Ono. Miyamoto shares a great anecdote about resisting efforts by the show’s director to tone down some lyrics deemed subversive, while Relief proudly displays the payment stub for her $100 honorarium
Vocalist Vivian Reed, who performs the stirring gospel hymn “His Eye is on the Sparrow” on one of the episodes, also looks back, with pinch-me, this-really-happened joy. Reed had worked with Douglas in Vegas, so along with frequent guest Carlin, she provided a bridge between the host’s comfort zone and that of Lennon and Ono.
Nader, who was 37 at the time and is now 90, brings context to explain why these episodes were so transgressive. In his 1972 appearance, he recommends a how-to manual for politically and socially motivated students to organize, pushing a more responsible grasp of citizenship. In the contemporary interview, he wryly echoes Lennon and Ono’s sentiments encouraging young people to get out and vote by reminding us that skepticism is more useful than cynicism in politics.
An interesting side note in all this is the presence behind the cameras of Roger Ailes, who had worked his way up from publicist to producer on the show. Noting that Ailes had first met Nixon when the politician was a guest — an encounter that led to him working on the candidate’s first presidential campaign — Nader makes the droll observation that you could see the future Fox News CEO studying every aspect of the TV production machine, thinking, “Someday I’m going to make sure that television is a major tool of right-wing politics.”
