Shine A Light **

Director: Martin Scorsese

Year: 2008

This Rolling Stones concert film succeeds only in the very brief intervals in which we see archived footage and bits of interviews with the band when they were younger, more exciting performers.

I suppose the concert itself is interesting as a documentation of geriatric rockers, but the Stones just aren't as radical sounding anymore, not helped by a sound mix that leaves each sound so isolated and clean that the heart or stomach or balls which ought to give rock its swagger is totally lost here. Mick Jagger still has lots of energy, but he looks like he's performing a routine that he's been up to since the 60's, and the whole thing lacks edge. Not to mention the concert's introduction by Bill Clinton, which leaves you shaking your head, "This isn't rock and roll." It's a buzz-kill when an ex-President endorses rock and roll, it makes it tame, clean and okay, and that's not what rock should be.

Jack White understandable seems like a giddy kid playing onstage with childhood heroes, but he of all people should see through the bullshit in this performance. The band of 4 geriatrics is supplemented by 3 back up singers, a bassist, keyboard, and full brass section. There are more accents to the music than music itself, therefore any semblance of rock's simplicity is drowned out.

And Scorsese doesn't bring the goods cinematically, there are a few interesting angles, but with such over-shooting, I actually felt there were too many angles, too much editing, and too many close ups of Mick Jaggers mouth even when the guitars are the focus of the music at a given point.

Maybe Scorsese himself is aware that this film didn't work, because he offers up this weak build-up to the concert in which it is overly explained that he wasn't able to prepare as he liked because he didn't have a setlist. Well I'm sorry, but if your production is so complicated that you can't deal with the improvisation that should come along with rock, then you should just simplify your shooting plan.

I couldn't even finish this film because it was the worst thing a film or rock and roll concert could be, BORING.

Can't wait to see "The White Stripes: Under Great White Northern Lights"

For a great concert film/music documentary, see Woodstock, or the 1973 film Jimi Hendrix. Gimme Shelter is also more interesting than this new release.