Sunday, April 06, 2008
A+E, Movies, Reviews
Shine a Light
Stones doc shines somewhat unflattering ‘Light’ on craggy classic rockers
CREDIT: Courtesy of Paramount Vantage
Christina Aguilera gets down with Mick Jagger in the Rolling Stones concert film “Shine a Light.”
“SHINE A LIGHT”
Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts, Ronnie Wood
Directed by Martin Scorsese
Regal Mall of Georgia IMAX, AMC Phipps Plaza, AMC Barrett Commons
Rated PG-13
Martin Scorsese’s concert-documentary hybrid “Shine a Light” suggests that the best seats at a Rolling Stones concert may be the farthest from the stage. Though they still rock most mightily 45 years after they began, viewed in merciless close-ups that catch each line and wrinkle, Mick, Keith and the rest are both music icons and memento mori.
The cruelty of aging is underscored by snippets in the film of early interview footage—especially black-and-white clips from the 1960s, which capture Jagger in all his naughty-cupid beauty. Even the preternaturally calm Charlie Watts had roguish, art-school looks back then.
Time changes everything. So do controlled substances, for which Keith Richards—looking as ravaged as the Grand Canyon—serves as eternal poster boy. (Ever milking his rep, Richards tells the audience: “It’s good to see you all—it’s good to see anybody.”)
What matters most here is that the Stones still deliver the musical goods, and Scorsese’s whirling, prowling cameras capture it all. At two hours, the movie seems a little long, although it serves up duets with compelling guest artists including Christina Aguilera, Jack White and especially Buddy Guy on “Champagne and Reefer” But to bridge the disconnect between the rockers’ ageless sound and ancient appearance, you may want to watch this one without your glasses or contacts on. 2.5 STARS—Steve Murray