2008 Woodie Awards
Scorsese Shines 'Light' On Stones In New Film
Ashley McGown
Issue date: 4/8/08 Section: Focus
After seeing "Shine a Light," it is clear that its label of "a Martin Scorsese film" is just an advertising ploy because, for the most part, the film is basically just a concert on film. Entering their fifth decade of rock stardom, it's doubtful that the Stones needed much directing.
With Scorsese billed as director, "Shine A Light" had the potentional to be much more than just another concert film. More time dedicated to showing behind the scenes footage or interviews would have added to the feature, but 90 percent of the movie is solely footage of the Stone's performance at the Beacon Theatre in New York in 2006.
In fact, the very little behind-the-scenes footage we are shown at the beginning of the film comes off very trite. For example, Scorsese edits the footage to make it seem as if he wasn't given the Stones' set list until the very second before the band took the stage. Needless to say, this is very unlikely.
That being said, "Shine a Light," is a superb concert film. Although they are all approaching 70 years-old, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Ronnie Wood and Charlie Watts prove that they can still rock harder than any young band in the business today.
Although Jagger was quoted decades ago as saying something along the lines of "If I'm still singing 'Satisfaction' when I'm 40, I'll kill myself," he's still singing it today - at the ripe old age of 65. And not only is Jagger still singing the tune, he's still gyrating those skinny little hips of his to it as well.
The set list included all of the expected hits, like "Jumpin' Jack Flash," "Sympathy for the Devil," "Start Me Up" and "Brown Sugar." The film's title track, "Shine a Light," played only during the credits.
The two-day stint at the Beacon Theatre was a benefit concert for the Clinton Foundation. As a result, the film's introduction features a cameo from former President Bill Clinton and his wife, Senator Hilary Clinton.
Aside from the Clintons, the film features three other guest stars. Buddy Guy, the 71 year-old blues legend who has won five Grammy Awards, shared the stage with the Stones for a cover of "Champagne and Reefer." When Clinton asked the Stones to perform at his benefit I'm sure Jagger yelling, "Bring me a reefer when I want to get high," is exactly what he had in mind.
Jack White, front man for both The White Stripes and The Raconteurs, also joined the Stones on stage for a number. White and Jagger shared lead vocals and were both adorned with acoustic guitars for the rendition of "Loving Cup," from the 1972 album "Exile on Main Street."
Perhaps the most uncomfortable moment of the film, however, comes from Christina Aguilera's appearance. Midway through "Live With Me," Jagger, who is in his mid-60s, comes up from behind Aguilera and the two start grinding like two college students on spring break in Cancun. It seems Aguilera's presence was appreciated by other band mates as well. Regarding Aguilera, guitarist Keith Richards was quoted in Uncut magazine as saying, "Very nice chick. Nice bum." And they say chivalry is dead.
Contact Ashley McGown at Ashley.McGown@UConn.edu.
With Scorsese billed as director, "Shine A Light" had the potentional to be much more than just another concert film. More time dedicated to showing behind the scenes footage or interviews would have added to the feature, but 90 percent of the movie is solely footage of the Stone's performance at the Beacon Theatre in New York in 2006.
In fact, the very little behind-the-scenes footage we are shown at the beginning of the film comes off very trite. For example, Scorsese edits the footage to make it seem as if he wasn't given the Stones' set list until the very second before the band took the stage. Needless to say, this is very unlikely.
That being said, "Shine a Light," is a superb concert film. Although they are all approaching 70 years-old, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Ronnie Wood and Charlie Watts prove that they can still rock harder than any young band in the business today.
Although Jagger was quoted decades ago as saying something along the lines of "If I'm still singing 'Satisfaction' when I'm 40, I'll kill myself," he's still singing it today - at the ripe old age of 65. And not only is Jagger still singing the tune, he's still gyrating those skinny little hips of his to it as well.
The set list included all of the expected hits, like "Jumpin' Jack Flash," "Sympathy for the Devil," "Start Me Up" and "Brown Sugar." The film's title track, "Shine a Light," played only during the credits.
The two-day stint at the Beacon Theatre was a benefit concert for the Clinton Foundation. As a result, the film's introduction features a cameo from former President Bill Clinton and his wife, Senator Hilary Clinton.
Aside from the Clintons, the film features three other guest stars. Buddy Guy, the 71 year-old blues legend who has won five Grammy Awards, shared the stage with the Stones for a cover of "Champagne and Reefer." When Clinton asked the Stones to perform at his benefit I'm sure Jagger yelling, "Bring me a reefer when I want to get high," is exactly what he had in mind.
Jack White, front man for both The White Stripes and The Raconteurs, also joined the Stones on stage for a number. White and Jagger shared lead vocals and were both adorned with acoustic guitars for the rendition of "Loving Cup," from the 1972 album "Exile on Main Street."
Perhaps the most uncomfortable moment of the film, however, comes from Christina Aguilera's appearance. Midway through "Live With Me," Jagger, who is in his mid-60s, comes up from behind Aguilera and the two start grinding like two college students on spring break in Cancun. It seems Aguilera's presence was appreciated by other band mates as well. Regarding Aguilera, guitarist Keith Richards was quoted in Uncut magazine as saying, "Very nice chick. Nice bum." And they say chivalry is dead.
Contact Ashley McGown at Ashley.McGown@UConn.edu.
Be the first to comment on this story