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| Movie Review: Shine a Light Alternate Title: It's Still Rock 'n Roll to Me
Story: Oscar winning director
Martin Scorsese loves to make movies and you can feel
that love all over this latest project even through the decibel level
of the Rolling Stones' concert. It was filmed with 19 cameras during
two nights in 2006 at The Beacon Theater in NYC to aid the Clinton Foundation's
efforts with its work on climate change. I first saw the Stones 100 years ago in Providence
RI. I was hooked from the first note. I think I have aged better than
they have but I certainly do not have the energy these guys still have.
I wondering what I am not taking that they are? Hmm. Anyway, I digress.
The concert was fun, high energy, foot stomping and frenetic. My favorite
parts were the juxtapositioning of file footage clips of the Stones
from the 60's and 70's in between songs. They were always smart, tongue
in cheek and knew how to handle the press. They still do. They know
their audiences and play to them with all of their heart and soul. Long
live the Stones. If you like concert films, this one is a winner. Acting: This is a documentary and normally this category
would not apply. However, these guys are consummate performers and after
40 years or so know exactly how to rev up a crowd. While it is still
entertaining I think they have moved into a different role when on stage.
Mick Jagger was aware of all of the cameras and had
them eating out of his hand. Keith Richards is by far
the scariest of the Stones. He has not aged well at all but seems to
be glad for every moment he has stolen in his seesaw life. Ronnie
Wood is somewhat more sedated than the two front men and Charlie
Watts is the only one who has allowed his hair to naturally
gray. Guest performances by Jack White, Christina Aguilera
and Buddy Guy were a welcome addition. Predilection: I like the Stones and I like Scorsese.
Food: These guys look like they have not eaten in
40 years.
Sex Spectrum: There was a little simulated sex during
the Aguilera set. She looked a bit uncomfortable and Jagger looked a
bit old for that.
Soundtrack: Terrific, of course.
Visual Art: 19 cameras working all at once including
the magic of Albert Maysles hand held camera.
Theater Audience: It was nice to see a number of
generational families coming to see the Stones. A whole group of pre-teens
were being introduced to the group by their Moms.
Squirm Scale: Keith Richards is squirmy looking.
Drift Factor: I drifted quite a bit but still enjoyed
the film. The songs kept taking me back to other times.
Oscar Worthy: No
Big Screen or Rental: There are some terrific concert
films. Here are a few of my favorites: Bring on the Night, Gimme
Shelter, The Last Waltz, Leonard Cohen: I'm Your Man, Monterey Pop,
Neil Young: Heart of Gold. Stop Making Sense and Woodstock
Length: Two hours
LOBO HOWLS: 7
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