Review of Shine a Light (2008) by Matti J — 02 Oct 2008

I've never been much of a fan of concert films. I've got pretty bored by them in the past, but I think I'm starting to come around. Any idiot can point a camera at a stage and record a concert, but it takes someone with talent to make an actual film out of it. Step in Martin Scorsese and The Rolling Stones. Without sounding like too much of a cliche, The Rolling Stones have still got it, and sound PHENOMENAL in this one. It's almost like they are not even trying, it's just who they are, Rock Gods that will never die. Great setlist with a lot of variety in songs and some great guests too. They move all over the stage and have this infinite amount of energy.

The film itself is incredible. It starts out with little introduction to the making of it, with staging the concert, getting everything set-up...and then in flash of light, they are on and tearing up the stage. The cinematography makes you feel right there on stage. None of the cameras ever focus on the audience, which I think was the right move. It's all on the band. It gets amazingly close up, and you have gotta see this on a big screen. It's a lot of fun to watch. I loved the ending too. Perfect. Essential recommendation.