Steven Soderbergh Was ‘Surprised’ How ‘Open and Excited’ John Lennon Was in Final Interview on the Day He Died

Renowned filmmaker Steven Soderbergh was taken aback by the level of enthusiasm displayed by music legend John Lennon during his final interview. Lennon, the former Beatle, engaged in a conversation with RKO Radio on December 8, 1980, the very day he tragically lost his life.

Soderbergh, currently working on a new documentary focusing on Lennon and his wife Yoko Ono’s dialogue during this fateful interview, expressed his anticipation about the project. In an interview with Variety, the 62-year-old director shared his intention to present the interview in a manner that accentuates its essence without detracting from its significance. He aims to reach a wide audience and offer insight into the thoughts and feelings expressed by the iconic couple that afternoon before Lennon’s untimely demise.

Reflecting on Lennon and Ono’s candidness during the interview, Soderbergh highlighted their openness and excitement across various topics such as music, politics, and the future. He expressed his surprise at their uninhibited nature, stating, “You would think they had never been interviewed before.” The director aspires to convey this natural and unrestrained essence to the audience, emphasizing the enduring relevance of their words from 45 years ago in today’s world of relationships, politics, and the significance of love.

Lennon and Ono had recently released the album “Double Fantasy” before the interview, granting only one radio interview to promote the record. Taking place at the Dakota, their conversation with Dave Sholin and Laurie Kaye spanned over three-and-a-half hours. Sholin vividly recollected Lennon’s vibrant arrival at the location, exuding a sense of enthusiasm and a fresh beginning as he embarked on his 40s.

Laurie Kaye added to this sentiment by describing Lennon as genuinely happy, particularly in the context of his role as a father to his young son Sean. Lennon’s joy was palpable as he looked forward to the years ahead with Sean, continuing to create music, and sharing his life with Yoko. The positivity exuded by the couple during the interview and their interactions with those around them painted a picture of contentment and fulfilment.

Apart from the interview, Lennon’s final day included a photo shoot with Annie Leibovitz for Rolling Stone and a recording session for Ono’s single “Walking on Thin Ice.” Producer Jack Douglas, who was with Lennon in the studio on that ill-fated day, recalled the artist’s sense of satisfaction and truthfulness in his work, regardless of commercial success. Lennon’s focus was on expressing his authentic self at that momentous juncture in his life.

Soderbergh’s documentary, nearing completion, marks his return to the realm of non-fiction filmmaking after more than a decade. With no title or release date confirmed yet, the project holds promise for fans of Lennon and Ono, offering a glimpse into the thoughts and emotions of the musical power couple on the day that forever altered the course of music history.