Yesterday's Excursion: A Rambunctious Musical Comedy Commemorating Music, Aspirations, Camaraderie, and the Labyrinthine Journey That Embarks Toward the Affection of Your Lifetime
In the world of cinema, taking a chance on an untested property can be a daunting task for major studios. Such was the case with the film "Yesterday," a unique and poignant story that posed big potential risks.
The script for "Yesterday" was penned by Richard Curtis, who found inspiration for the story from an idea presented by Jack Barth. Curtis, known for his work with Working Title Films on films such as "Bridget Jones' series," Notting Hill, Love Actually, and About a Boy, crafted a tale that would fuse the emotional truth of The Beatles' music with a love story worthy of their songs.
The director who brought "Yesterday" to life after the screenplay was completed is Danny Boyle. Boyle, who collaborated with Curtis on the opening ceremony for the 2012 London Olympics, agreed to direct the film after reading Curtis's script. However, he asked for certain changes to be made to about a quarter of the working script.
"Yesterday" features Jack Malik (Himesh Patel), a struggling singer-songwriter in an English seaside town. The story unfolds when Jack discovers that The Beatles have never existed after a global blackout, and he finds fame by performing their songs.
As the filmmakers worked on "Yesterday," they aimed to capture the essence of The Beatles' music, which represents limitless possibilities. The idea that, even when something has been lost, you can regain it, is a theme that resonates throughout the film.
Danny Boyle was thrilled that the film had found a home at Universal, a studio that supported the filmmakers and trusted their instincts. Boyle ensured he would have complete creative freedom to make the film he wanted before agreeing to direct "Yesterday."
One of the notable additions to the film was a nightmare scene to visualize Jack's guilt, rather than just showing him feeling a bit guilty. This addition added depth to the character and the story, making it a more engaging and thought-provoking film.
However, a percentage of what Curtis had written was altered completely. This was a necessary part of the creative process, as the filmmakers sought to create a cohesive and compelling narrative.
As the world watched "Yesterday," they were reminded of the power of The Beatles' music. People decided to live all because of The Beatles, marking a fundamental moment where the world came out of a half century of world war and was reborn.
Tim Bevan, producer at Working Title Films, has known Curtis for 30 years. Their collaboration on "Yesterday" was a testament to their shared vision and passion for storytelling.
In the end, "Yesterday" is a film that celebrates the power of music, the importance of friendship, and the transformative power of love. It is a film that will touch your heart and leave you with a renewed appreciation for the timeless music of The Beatles.
