Are the Stones Golden Bears?
It was another red carpet moment for the die hard Rolling Stones band. This time the event was held in uber arty Berlin at the Berlin Film Festival. The Stones are the subject of a documentary directed by none other than Martin Scorsese. Scorsese is himself of the generation that rocked to the music of the Stones. The director chose the name ‘Shine a Light’ for his film about the band that is still a hit after forty years.
The great thing about the Rolling Stones is that they genuinely enjoy what they do. This is plain to see throughout the film. This group of musicians have maintained their ‘get stuffed’ attitude by refusing to give up what they do best. Younger acts like Jack White and Christina Aguilera are seen trying to keep up with the Stones who all have children older than these young stars.
It is undeniable that the Stones have an energy that is impressive. In all fairness, this is partly due to Mick Jagger’s incredible leaps, skids and slides across the podium. On the other end of the spectrum Keith Richards has maintained his dopey charm. Right from start to finish the band members are hilariously truthful about their lives. Many times the band is clearly ‘out of it’ during interviews. There is no attempt to slick up the excesses of a rock lifestyle.
The film has been dubbed a ‘rockumentary’ and captures two concerts. Viewers will also be able to see behind-the-scenes footage as well as rarely seen archive recordings. The Stones never cease to fascinate their fans. They are as interesting today as they were in their heyday. Scorsese has made use of grainy close ups to capture the rockers as they are. Airbrushing is just not rock n roll. The lined faces of the band members are a testimony to the lifestyle that keeps fans enthralled.
One of the filmed performances is a two hour concert. This took place in 2006 at the Beacon Theater in New York. Keith Richards noted that he was not aware of the presence of the film crew. He said they were inconspicuous and let the performance take its course. Charlie Watts, legendary Rolling Stones drummer, does not enjoy seeing himself on film. In fact he said, ‘I hate it’. On the other hand, front man Jagger has never been coy about fame. He loves it. Jagger’s peacock struts get this attention-seeking junkie his highs.
The Berlin Film Festival has twenty one films on show. It gives the Golden Bear Award to its winners. Jagger has said that it is an honour for the Stones to open the film festival. The city of Berlin turned out to welcome the rock legends to the opening. Constantin Costa-Gavras, the director of Missing and Z, heads the festival’s jury. The BF Festival has a committee of international members including actress Diane Kruger.
The all-British rockers can be seen by their home fans on 11 April when the documentary will be released in the United Kingdom.
