George Harrison: Living in the Material World
  • Network: HBO
  • Series Premiere Date: Oct 5, 2011
Metascore
74

Generally favorable reviews - based on 13 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13

Critic Reviews

  1. New York Daily News
    Reviewed by: David Hinckley
    Oct 5, 2011
    60
    In contrast to Scorsese's other work, like his Bob Dylan documentary and "The Last Waltz," George Harrison feels like it doesn't get far below the surface.
  2. Washington Post
    Reviewed by: Hank Stuever
    Oct 4, 2011
    60
    For its epic investment, Living in the Material World still feels like only part of the story.
  3. Slant Magazine
    Reviewed by: Nick Schager
    Oct 17, 2011
    50
    That Living in the Material World shines scant illuminating light on Harrison's story is all the more frustrating for its immense length.

Awards & Rankings

34
#34 Best TV Season of 2011
82
#82 Most Shared TV Season of 2011

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 13 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 13
  3. Negative: 1 out of 13
  1. Mauro_Lanari
    Dec 26, 2021
    5
    (Mauro Lanari)
    The failed priest from New York chooses the Beatles to continue his interminable sermon. Only a frustrated seminarian could    (Mauro Lanari)
    The failed priest from New York chooses the Beatles to continue his interminable sermon. Only a frustrated seminarian could have dared to manipulate the Fab Four's career to hypertrophically focus attention on George Harrison's spiritual attitude. On April 8, 1966, "Time" news magazine publishes "Is God Dead?" as cover article, and Scorsese comes up with the idea of replying to demonstrate the persistence of "homo sacer" in today's secularized society by telling the story of the most mystical member of the Liverpool band. For almost 3 and a half hours he tells us the events of this musician interested in sitar more than in guitar, in transcendence more than materialistic immanence, in theistic meditation rather than rock, so much so that he opposes the group in order to cultivate in his own solo career the achieved bliss. The facts flow away quickly, from Beatlemania to Lennon's death and any gesture of love, since we would be (like?) "angels captured in carnality". The score contains very few songs not composed by him and even missed his first famous track, "Taxman": too earthly. A hagiographic homily monstrously long and not at all convincing about an unconventional, ecumenical and distrustful saint towards orthodox traditionalism. One in which the narcissus Martin happily mirrors himself.    … Full Review »
  2. ekolite82
    Jul 11, 2012
    10
    This is probably the most entertaining documentary I have ever watched, personally. I think anyone from the hard-core Beatles fans to theThis is probably the most entertaining documentary I have ever watched, personally. I think anyone from the hard-core Beatles fans to the casual Beatles fans will appreciate the quality footage and interviews.… Full Review »
  3. chappydboz
    Oct 10, 2011
    9
    This documentary takes its time, slowly revealing the character of this legendary man.. the footage is raw and personal.. much of itThis documentary takes its time, slowly revealing the character of this legendary man.. the footage is raw and personal.. much of it previously unreleased.. i consider myself a pretty knowledgeable Beatles fan, but after watching this, I have a fresh perspective on the band and especially GH songs.. The second half got really emotional for me.. i felt so in-tune with the man via the poignant interviews and footage.. he lived a big, inspiring life..… Full Review »
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