“Shine a Light” was made for IMAX screens, 40 foot behemoths with more than 100 speakers lining the wall. This film was a special engagement in major U.S. cities and I’m really glad that, unlike most IMAX movies, it was
“Shine a Light” was made for IMAX screens, 40 foot behemoths
with more than 100 speakers lining the wall. This film was a
special engagement in major U.S. cities and I’m really glad that,
unlike most IMAX movies, it was released on DVD. I was blessed to
see it in Sacramento with my then-girlfriend; it was a blast
because it wasn’t very full and we got to pick some great seats.
This film is wonderful entertainment, but is also a great
historical document for music and film fans.
Warning: Adult themes, discussion of drugs, sexual references in the music
“Shine a Light” was made for IMAX screens, 40 foot behemoths with more than 100 speakers lining the wall. This film was a special engagement in major U.S. cities and I’m really glad that, unlike most IMAX movies, it was released on DVD. I was blessed to see it in Sacramento with my then-girlfriend; it was a blast because it wasn’t very full and we got to pick some great seats. This film is wonderful entertainment, but is also a great historical document for music and film fans.
First off, the shooting style of this movie had probably never been attempted. The great Martin Scorsese (“Taxi Driver”) grabbed 16 cameras and used the best cameramen in the business to capture a two-night concert at New York City’s Beacon Theater. Scorsese had the help of Oscar-winning cinematographers John Toll (“Braveheart”), Robert Richardson (“JFK’) and Robert Elswit (“There will be Blood”), all men who have pushed the cinematic envelope with their photographic eye.
This film is a look into two worlds: first, The Rolling Stones and second, Martin Scorsese. The film itself is a concert intercut with old footage and even some home movies and interviews with the band. The viewer is also treated to some scenes of Martin Scorsese at work. Some scenes were apparently manipulated in the editing room, but every movie we see is an edited piece of art. I remember being most blown away by the guest performance of Buddy Guy. Remember this name, go to your iTunes and get something of his. Buddy Guy is a living legend (he gave me his guitar pick in San Francisco in 2006) and was Jimi Hendrix’s hero. No Buddy Guy, no Jimi Hendrix. Stop for a second and think about that. In this film, Guy tears into the Muddy Waters classic “Champagne and Reefer” while dueling with Mick Jagger on harmonica and Keith Richards on guitar in a humble way — the viewer knows who is boss. But the since the Stones and Buddy Guy go back more than 40 years, no attitude here. Just pure BLUES and respect.
Be sure to keep an eye out for a special moment between Keith Richards and Buddy Guy. On DVD this film is fun; it’d be wrong to compare it to the IMAX experience. I want to warn viewers this film is a lot more fun with the volume turned up, so don’t expect to enjoy it in a room full of people. Watch as a group or when you have a chance to zone out. The Stones do their basic hits and throw in some rare tunes; my favorite is “Faraway Eyes” from their album Some Girls. The original is more slow country; this one is spliced up a bit while maintaining every root of the blues it can. That’s what this film is about: THE BLUES. The opening credits are a kick, and immediately you know you’re in for a ride.
The friendship of the band, the journey, the rock and roll; it’s all there.
Year: 2008
Director: Martin Scorsese
Starring: The Rolling Stones
1-3. Eric Clapton Crossroads Festival : 2004, 2007, 2010
4. Santana: Hymns for Peace
5. BB King: Live by Request
6. Santana: Supernatural
7. Santana: Blues (Live at Montreuax)
8. Tribute to Stevie Ray Vaughan
9. The Rolling Stones: Bridges to Babylon
10. Festival
