First Hit: Amazing film about one of the most storied rock and roll groups of our time.
I loved the first 15 minutes of the film because Martin Scorsese (the Director) is trying to get The Rolling Stones, more specifically Mick Jagger, to provide the song list for the concert. Martin even sends Mick his list as a way to prompt him.
Mick doesn’t totally ignore Martin’s request but isn’t ready to finalize it yet. In between these little flashes are some facts and interviews of The Stones.
There is meeting Former President Clinton and family, there are some old newsreel clips. All the while we keep going back to Martin getting more panicky about the set list. In his homework Martin has camera shots laid out for many of the songs and you see these piles of paper of this preparation.
Finally Martin gives up and says fine, all I need is the name of the first song so that I know where to start; either Keith on guitar, Charlie on drums, Ronnie on guitar, or Mick singing.
However, Mick tells him nothing. Martin is fit to be tied. As former President Clinton finishes his opening remarks to introduce The Rolling Stones, a man rushes into the control room and hands Martin a piece of paper indicating the opening song.
Martin yells out the camera and opening shot of the concert and from that point on we (the audience) are on our way.
The Rolling Stones came out when I was in my mid-teens, so I’ve grown up with them. I’ve listened to them through all the different genres of music they have tried. But in the end The Stones are about Rock and Roll. Their catalogue is immense and they could have done 10 of these concerts, played different songs in each of them and all of the music would all have been recognizable and a classic. On IMAX Mick (and The Stones) is big, way big. But it doesn’t really capture how much and how big of an influence they’ve been to rock and roll music. They are a working band. They play music in front of people and with all of them in their mid to mid-late 60’s, it continues to fascinate me how tightly knit and yet so independent their personalities are. The Stones brought in three others to do a song each with them. Jack White was forgettable and truly out classed, he didn’t belong. Christina Aguilera held her own and actually added to the performance and had some fun. Buddy Guy, however, was right there with them and when Buddy looked straight at the camera silent for about 30 seconds, he sent a message – I am here.
Overall: Besides being deeply touched how these four men stayed together, played together, and supported each other through a lot of ups and downs; the love and respect they have for each other is humbling. Martin did an outstanding job of bringing you The Rolling Stones. And even if you don’t really like their music, if you see the film you will experience an amazing event of togetherness with Mick having more energy than any man I’ve met that is under 70 years of age. It is simply amazing.