Rolling Stones iconic moments recorded in film
By Brian Offenther |
April 15, 2013, Monday
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JUST as the Rolling Stones sang a decade and a half after "Gimme Shelter" came out, this film leaves me with mixed emotions. Here's why.
The subject and timing of the filming is impeccable. The amount of iconic Rolling Stones moments chronicled in this film is stunning. And when you're dealing with a band so defining of their generation, right when they are at what might be their peak, it is of interest to people interested in rock 'n' roll history or the late-1960s generation in general.
The film is most known for its footage of the infamous free concert at the Altamont Speedway, where an 18-year-old concert-goer was stabbed by the Hell's Angel biker gang that was hired as security. But there is plenty more to see. See the Stones celebrate the memory of their then-recently deceased guitarist Brian Jones. See footage of the Stones as they record their classic live album "Get Your Ya-Yas Out." See them almost offhandedly record some of the most classic rock songs of all time, like "Brown Sugar."
Most of all, see a young Mick Jagger just slay. Mick is simply magnificent as he shimmys and shakes and smacks his lips. If you've ever wondered what the fuss is all about, Jagger's fuss is on full display.
So the film must be excitement from end to end? No satisfaction here.
That's because when I said earlier that this is a "fly on the wall documentary," this film takes it to tedious extremes. There is no narration and musical score beyond whatever action is happening in the film, which leaves a vacuum of sound when the Stones aren't working.
One of the devices of the film is to show the Stones watch parts of the tour already filmed on a TV set and give their reactions. Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards is one of the most interesting people on the planet. However, he is not interesting enough to watch as his glazed-over eyes follow footage of the Altamont show.
I've watched Warhol films that make cases studies of boredom. But this has a clearly defined purpose. I do not understand why I need to watch a smirking Mick Jagger watch himself on TV. Is it a comment on the nature of celebrity? I don't know, and it doesn't pique my interest in the process enough for me to care.
Look, this film is considered a classic, and when the Stones are on stage, it lives up to it. Otherwise, the movie wilts like dead flowers.
'Gimme Shelter' (1970)
? Date: April 16, 9pm
? Where to see: Dada (115 Xingfu Rd, near Fahuazhen Rd)
? Price: Free? What to see: A fly-on-the-wall documentary of legendary British rock band The Rolling Stones on a 1969 tour, culminating in their infamous free show at the Altamont Speedway, an event that is sometimes credited for killing the idealism of the 60s generation.? Brian's rating: 6/10
The subject and timing of the filming is impeccable. The amount of iconic Rolling Stones moments chronicled in this film is stunning. And when you're dealing with a band so defining of their generation, right when they are at what might be their peak, it is of interest to people interested in rock 'n' roll history or the late-1960s generation in general.
The film is most known for its footage of the infamous free concert at the Altamont Speedway, where an 18-year-old concert-goer was stabbed by the Hell's Angel biker gang that was hired as security. But there is plenty more to see. See the Stones celebrate the memory of their then-recently deceased guitarist Brian Jones. See footage of the Stones as they record their classic live album "Get Your Ya-Yas Out." See them almost offhandedly record some of the most classic rock songs of all time, like "Brown Sugar."
Most of all, see a young Mick Jagger just slay. Mick is simply magnificent as he shimmys and shakes and smacks his lips. If you've ever wondered what the fuss is all about, Jagger's fuss is on full display.
So the film must be excitement from end to end? No satisfaction here.
That's because when I said earlier that this is a "fly on the wall documentary," this film takes it to tedious extremes. There is no narration and musical score beyond whatever action is happening in the film, which leaves a vacuum of sound when the Stones aren't working.
One of the devices of the film is to show the Stones watch parts of the tour already filmed on a TV set and give their reactions. Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards is one of the most interesting people on the planet. However, he is not interesting enough to watch as his glazed-over eyes follow footage of the Altamont show.
I've watched Warhol films that make cases studies of boredom. But this has a clearly defined purpose. I do not understand why I need to watch a smirking Mick Jagger watch himself on TV. Is it a comment on the nature of celebrity? I don't know, and it doesn't pique my interest in the process enough for me to care.
Look, this film is considered a classic, and when the Stones are on stage, it lives up to it. Otherwise, the movie wilts like dead flowers.
'Gimme Shelter' (1970)
? Date: April 16, 9pm
? Where to see: Dada (115 Xingfu Rd, near Fahuazhen Rd)
? Price: Free? What to see: A fly-on-the-wall documentary of legendary British rock band The Rolling Stones on a 1969 tour, culminating in their infamous free show at the Altamont Speedway, an event that is sometimes credited for killing the idealism of the 60s generation.? Brian's rating: 6/10
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