Masterfully captured by Academy Award-winning director Martin Scorsese, Shine A Light sheds some light on the worldwide musical phenomenon that is The Rolling Stones.
In the initial planning for the film, one gets the sense of watching two very similar superegos — Scorsese and Stones frontman Mick Jagger, squabble over camera techniques and lighting arrangements which very much put a damper on the opening performances. Jagger seemed to be breathless and a bit robotic, if not downright bored, through the first set. Fortunately, he seemed eventually get used to the melting hot movie lights and learned to avoid lingering in one place for more than a few seconds for fear of serious burns; he also must have adjusted to the video cams on the mini cranes which he felt would block the views of the audience members nearest to the stage and gave in to his sheer talent, which resulted in an unforgettable concert after a seemingly shaky start…
The Doors cuts a jagged swath through the life of singer Jim Morrison, one of the most charismatic and exciting figures in rock history. The film begins with Morrison’s arrival in California and explores his assimilation into the Venice Beach culture, his relationships with girlfriend Pamela Courson (Meg Ryan) and future bandmate Ray Manzarek (Kyle MacLachlan), and the origin of The Doors. As fame takes its toll, Morrison spirals downward into an inferno of drugs, alcohol, public obscenity, arrests, and depression. As director Oliver Stone puts it, during his insightful audio commentary, “Morrison was the poster child for a nation on the verge of a nervous breakdown.”
Throughout the film, aside from his usual entourage, Morrison is accompanied by a trio of virtual characters that abide in his psyche. The first character of Jim as a young boy (played by Stone’s own son) who’s life was altered forever by his witnessing of fatal car accident involving a family of Native Americans. The second character, the old Shaman who’s soul was believed by Morrison to have entered into his own being at the time of death and “Death” himself, the third character, who resembled a cross between a resident of Sodom or Gomorrah and a skinhead, seen frolicking at Morrison’s side inviting him to break on through to the other side.
The History Channel special airs tonight at 9pm.
“Forests” and “Caves” premieres on Discovery Channel.
