I saw a brief preview for this before U23D and was immediately intrigued. Scorsese + Stones? Slam dunk, right? However, I don’t know, it just did not live up to my expectations.
First off, when it comes to classic rock, I’m more Bowie than Stones so maybe I was at a disadvantage to begin with. However, I’m not unaware of how mega this band is. If U2 is a brand, the Rolling Stones are like the McDonald's of rock. I know I could get flack for that statement but c’mon. They have been promoted, marketed and licensed within an inch of becoming royalty free. And, I mean, good for them. In a day and age where the music industry is falling apart, these guys who are older than my parents are raking it in. Fine.
So, the film starts off strong. Wonderful black and white docu-footage of Scorsese and Jagger coordinating different aspects of how the production will work. This beginning part is executed fantastically. It’s interesting and creates the feeling that you’re being let in on something.
Now, the awkward element of this film starts at about the point that the Clintons are included. What? Oh, yeah. Bill and Hillary and 30 of their guests have arranged to meet the band beforehand. It is so awkward and weird I can’t explain. (I think I was given yet another reason why I’m voting for Obama—he wouldn’t look awkward at a Stones’ concert.) The band themselves seem sort of politely disinterested with the whole affair.
So then the performance starts. Wow, these cameras are up close. Mick Jagger, why do you have mercury fillings?
I like that after every 2–3 songs, Scorsese splices in footage from old Stones’ interviews. It’s a nice way of creating an anchor by reestablishing the foundation of the band visually to the audience. I must say, Charlie Watts is by far the most consistent. He just seems like a dude who, from day one, does not give a fuck. It’s fantastic. He does his thing and moves on. He doesn’t seem quite as ego-driven as the others.
It’s not that this film isn’t good. I’m not a movie critic, and I’m certainly not going to lambast Martin Scorsese. However, as a musician and a music critic, I thought the mix on the sound was bizarre and the film was not made for a musician-filled audience. I thought it was culturally irrelevant and damaging to the brand to have a pop star like Christina Aguilera included (however, it will increase DVD sales). I’m not undermining Aguilera’s talent or being an indie snob, but c’mon, it’s a curious choice and beguiling juxtaposition. Jack White and Buddy Guy seemed far more appropriate. Also, the front row filled with blonde, New York socialite-type princesses who seemed to not know the songs was embarrassing.
That being said, I loved when Keith Richards took a turn at the mic. I loved when he and Ronnie played off each other. Jagger’s energy is astounding and I swear I lost 5 lbs. just watching him. They are without a doubt a band that deserves great attention and having a film orchestrated by one of the most legendary directors of all time makes absolute sense—but I couldn’t help but feel that something was missing. Maybe it’s simply the honest evolution of what happens when a brand becomes too commonplace…with the danger gone, you cease to identify with it.
Would I see it again? Probably not.
More info on Shine a Light here: www.shinealightmovie.com
Rolling Stones — Shine A Light — Trailer
