The Martin Scorsese directed Rolling Stones concert film 'Shine A Light' has been running in Australia for almost a week now, and I had the chance to check it out last night.
The film is as expected loaded with amazing cinematography, and fantastic shots, and a fascinating look at the behind the scenes goings on of a concert, including meetings with Scorsese and the band in the months leading up to the event.Three excellent cameos appear throughout, with Jack White singing 'Loving Cup', Christina Aguilera singing 'Live With Me' and the incomparable Buddy Guy making Mick Jagger sounding (and looking) like he's 3ft tall on the Muddy Waters classic 'Champagne and Reefer'.
It's little mistakes, such as Keef forgetting the words or Charlie's awkward "Hello" during the band introductions that make The Rolling Stones so great after all these years.
They're one of the few bands that haven't honed their craft to note-for-note perfection (I'm looking at YOU, Eagles) and their soul still comes through, even if it is slightly masked by things like an awkward looking Bill and Hilary Clinton trying to make jokes with them.
It is this soul that is captured so spectacularly on 35mm film (no digital here... with the exception of the closing credits).
I just had one qualm. 'Shine A Light', being my first IMAX experience, has put me off IMAX forever.
Unless you want to be focused on the grooves of Keef face - a deflated jumping castle - instead of the bigger picture, see it at a regular cinema, or see it at home. By all means see it, but avoid the nausea and see it like it was supposed to be seen.
