Review of It Might Get Loud (2008) by David F — 01 Sep 2009

If you're a musician, a music afionado, and a fan of the electric guitar....this movie is for you! If the image of Jack White, The Edge and Jimmy Page sitting around talking about their work AND jamming.

...yes, playing together....this is especially for you! This movie wasn't nearly long enough for me. This new doc from Davis Guggenheim (Oscar winner for Al Gore's An Inconvenient Truth) doesn't touch on the history of the guitar (as it's being promoted) but better yet the history of guitar in the lives of these three artists.

The best thing Guggenheim does is get out of the way and let these guys do all the talking, even to each other. When we see The Edge ask Page about how he does a riff and then Page proceeds to play that riff as a smiling White looks on, well it just feels like you've been invited to a rare moment.

Their passion, drive and love for playing and music is contagious. They discuss their histories, influences, and styles over a three-day summit in January 2008. Since they all come from various backgrounds and generations, it is quite revealing to see the film go back to places that contributed to their journey.

Locales like the streets of South Detroit where Jack White grew up, Headley Grange where Page reveals how "When The Levee Breaks" came together, and The Edge taking us back to Mount Temple School where it all started, all resonate with their own personal nostalgia.

The film goes fluidly gives each musician enough screen time that conveys their interests and process. Guggenheim delivers not only what fans want but also gives enough to get anyone foreign to these guys into their music.

The standout scenes are just seeing these guys play together. Their awe, enjoyment and giddiness comes through when they all jam on songs like "I Will Follow", "Whole Lotta Love" and "Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground".

And who doesn't want to see that? The film closes with the three of them covering The Band's "The Weight", a scene that shows that they really are still just guys who like to sit around and jam out some sweet covers.