Providing glimpses into The Rolling Stones's tragic concert held at the Altamont Speedway in 1969, Gimme Shelter follows the band as they tour the United States beforehand and accept the fate of their beaten-to-death fan afterwards. Insights into the logistics of preparing for the show and the problems associated with corresponding security arrangements are offered as well.
The footage of The Stones performing classics like Jumpin' Jack Flash, (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction, and Street Fighting Fan rocks, directors Albert Maysles, David Maysles, and Charlotte Zwerin fluidly capturing their electrifying and intensifying rhythms. Tina Turner and Jefferson Airplane also receive screen time and there's a brief scene showcasing members of The Grateful Dead as they discover that JA's lead male singer Marty Balin has been assaulted by security. The Stones have to stop playing Sympathy for the Devil as the crowd and the Hell's Angels clash and shortly thereafter one of their fans passes on.
The Stones are shown silently watching related video footage and listening to comments regarding their fan's death within. It must have been a shocking experience and the affects of said shock seem to be reflected by Jagger's sombre countenance. Tough to predict what will happen when organizing massive entertainments. Tougher to know how you'll react to the outcomes even if you've convinced yourself that you're prepared for the worst case. The film's more of a presentation of a cross-section of the facts than a reflection upon them.
No comments:
Post a Comment