BuzzFlash Reviews
Martin Scorsese's New Celebrated Rolling Stones Documentary: Shine a Light (2008) -- 121 Minutes (DVD)
Directed by Martin Scorsese
BUZZFLASH REVIEWS
Just released: Martin Scorsese goes from the Mean Streets to the Rolling Stones, and makes the cinema rock 'n roll with this 2008 DVD. Scorsese has had a lifelong fascination with documenatries on famous musicians ("The Last Waltz" about The Band's final concert is a classic) -- but the man, the moment, and the band -- The Rolling Stones -- really unite in "Shine a Light."
From an Online Reviewer:
Smashing!!!!!!! Scorcese & Stones: A Perfect Match
Set List:
1) Jumpin' Jack Flash
2) Shattered
3) She Was Hot
4) All Down the Line
5) Loving Cup (w/ Jack White)
6) As Tears Go By
7) Some Girls
8) Just My Imagination
9) Faraway Eyes
10) Champagne and Reefer (w/ Buddy Guy)
11) Tumbling Dice
12) You Got the Silver
13) Connection
14) Sympathy for the Devil
15) Live With Me (w/ Christina Aguilera)
16) Start Me Up
17) Brown Sugar
18) Satisfaction
Though the actual track 'Shine a Light' from Exile on Main Street is not played during the (film version of this) set, it is an excellent title for this rock documentary as Martin Scorcese is shining a light so to speak on the Stones themselves, and this light shines mighty bright and mighty close.
For Stones fans the thrill (and it is immediate and lasts the entire show) is having the feeling of being onstage with the Stones. Jack White, Buddy Guy, and Christina Aguilera all do guest stints onstage but we as audience members feel like we are onstage as well and this is the truly brilliant thing about this film. The cameras are so close that we actually get to see the band play (and see who plays which guitar lines) and hear the between song banter between band members. Scorcese allows us to affirm or reaffirm that Mick is without a doubt the leader of this band and his relentless energy and seductive charms seem to wow his bandmates as much as they wow the crowd. Micks age shows in the close-ups but his real instruments, his voice & his body, seem completely immune from the ravages of time. Keith, at times, seems a bit lost (as when Christinsa Aguilera steps onstage) and he misses chords in a few places, but Scorcese's intimate style really serves Richards well. He is an intensely likable guy who loves what he does and still seems to feel adorably awkward when he takes center stage to sing "You Got the Silver" & "Connection." He is in many ways Mick's opposite. The chemistry of the band and especially the chemistry that exists between the Glimmer Twins is the thing that continues to fascinate and continues to evade documentation.
The show is intense and intimate and revealing. The guest appearances are well chosen. And the ending (which I will not reveal) is perfect.
Another online reviewer:
Jaw dropping from every angle--sound, cinematography, song selection, etc. etc. Not only the best stones movies ever, the best concert video. Scorcese did himself proud. This movie should win several academy awards. Go see it now!
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