John Lennon Spoke About Being ‘Dead and Buried’ in His Final Interview, Hours Before He Was Murdered

**John Lennon’s Final Interview Captured in New Documentary Premiering at Cannes**

A poignant new documentary titled *John Lennon: The Last Interview* has made its debut at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, featuring the last recorded conversation with the legendary Beatle. The documentary includes an interview conducted just hours before Lennon was tragically murdered outside his New York City home on December 8, 1980.

In this deeply reflective interview, Lennon expresses his commitment to creativity and art, stating, “I consider that my work won’t be finished until I’m dead and buried and I hope that’s a long, long time.” This sentiment resonates hauntingly, considering the circumstances of his untimely death later that day.

The interview, carried out by RKO Radio in collaboration with Lennon and his wife, Yoko Ono, spanned three-and-a-half hours. It was one of the couple’s rare media appearances, promoting their recently released album *Double Fantasy*. Interestingly, it was the only radio interview they granted during this promotional period, indicating both its significance and the couple’s intent to connect with their audience.

In the film directed by Steven Soderbergh, Lennon reflects on various subjects, including the assassination of John F. Kennedy. He offers insight into how Kennedy’s tragic death has immortalised him as a symbol of hope. Lennon speculates on what the world might have looked like had Kennedy lived, demonstrating his thoughtful engagement with societal issues of the time.

At the point of this interview, Lennon was experiencing a resurgence in his musical career after a five-year hiatus. He describes his return to songwriting as a form of “diarrhea of creativity,” indicating a surge of inspiration that he attributed not only to his own experiences but also to the influence of Ono. Lennon reveals aspirations for further collaborative projects, hinting at the possibility of a second and even a third album with Ono.

Their partnership is a recurring theme throughout the interview, with Lennon lovingly referring to Ono as his best friend and collaborator. He expresses joy in their working relationship, noting that only she and Paul McCartney were significant figures he had collaborated with over a sustained period. This highlights the depth of his artistic alliances, particularly with Ono, whom he married in 1969.

The couple also delves into aspects of their personal lives, sharing candid insights into their relationship journey, the challenges they faced, and their family dynamics. Discussing their son, Sean, Lennon describes their bond, referring to him as a “twin” and explaining how parenthood has shaped his sense of authenticity. He shares moments of everyday life with Sean, who was just five years old at the time of the interview, offering a glimpse into the joys and responsibilities of fatherhood.

Lennon also expresses remorse regarding his relationship with his eldest son, Julian, from his first marriage to Cynthia Powell. At the time of the interview, Julian was a teenager and grappling with the absence of his father in his life. This moment of vulnerability adds another layer to Lennon’s character, revealing the complexities of his personal relationships amid his public persona as a global music icon.

Soderbergh, who has not directed a documentary since 2010, has articulated his desire for the film to resonate with contemporary audiences. He remarked on the openness and excitement exhibited by Lennon and Ono during the interview, which he believes remains pertinent today in discussing themes of love, relationships, and political dynamics. Soderbergh highlights that the issues raised in their discussion possess an enduring relevance that transcends time.

Overall, *John Lennon: The Last Interview* serves not only as a historical record of one of music’s most influential figures but also provides profound commentary on the artist’s philosophy, his family life, and his vision for a compassionate, creative world. The film invites viewers to reflect on Lennon’s legacy, particularly as it holds a mirror to current societal conversations.