zaaronz
Lifetime Total
1+
IMDb Member
21 years
Reviews
Gimme Shelter (1970)
The death of the 60's, the tragedy of irresponsibility
Tragedy, Coming of Age, Appearance versus reality... these are central themes to the Maysles Bros. masterpiece documentary, "Gimme Shelter."
The film deals remarkably with the careless, optimistic attitude of the Rolling Stones towards life that was crushed by a free concert they gave in December of 1969. Packed with close-up concert footage from huge performances, such as Madison Square Gardens, we understand the true nature of the characters in the band- particularly Mick Jagger, Keith Richard(s) and Charlie Watts. This is exemplified by the expert direction of Albert Maysles and fantastic camerawork by dozens of crew, including George Lucas. The visual and aural atmosphere is superbly real as we see, understand and accept the talent, characters, and flaws of the Rolling Stones.
This film allows the audience to see the Rolling Stones as performers, as well as individuals, sometimes making the transition in split seconds. The fantastic thing is- the camera was THERE to catch those instants and to provide tremendous insight into the characters.
Tragedy erupts at the free concert near the end of the film. Pay attention to how the Stones react, and how their youthful outlook on life is worn down dramatically. The audience is left with moral and ethical questions to ponder, as well as a twisted, and phenomenal new view of the "greatest rock and roll band in history."
Dick's Altamont Speedway Rolling Stones Free Concert: The day the 60's died.
The film deals remarkably with the careless, optimistic attitude of the Rolling Stones towards life that was crushed by a free concert they gave in December of 1969. Packed with close-up concert footage from huge performances, such as Madison Square Gardens, we understand the true nature of the characters in the band- particularly Mick Jagger, Keith Richard(s) and Charlie Watts. This is exemplified by the expert direction of Albert Maysles and fantastic camerawork by dozens of crew, including George Lucas. The visual and aural atmosphere is superbly real as we see, understand and accept the talent, characters, and flaws of the Rolling Stones.
This film allows the audience to see the Rolling Stones as performers, as well as individuals, sometimes making the transition in split seconds. The fantastic thing is- the camera was THERE to catch those instants and to provide tremendous insight into the characters.
Tragedy erupts at the free concert near the end of the film. Pay attention to how the Stones react, and how their youthful outlook on life is worn down dramatically. The audience is left with moral and ethical questions to ponder, as well as a twisted, and phenomenal new view of the "greatest rock and roll band in history."
Dick's Altamont Speedway Rolling Stones Free Concert: The day the 60's died.
The Many Trials of One Jane Doe (2002)
CBC - A solid documentary
This Canadian Broadcasting Corporation film concerns the trial of a woman used by Toronto Police as bait in a rape sting. Based on a true story, the film is an excellent coverage of the experience of the woman, "Jane Doe," as she sues the Toronto Police Dept. for their actions.
Noted appearances are Steve Mackintosh (of Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels), playing the plaintiff's attorney, and Gary Lewis as the Police Department's defense lawyer.
The mostly-handheld cinematography througout the film, as well as the "jump-cut" editing add to the extraordinary level of realism in this production.
Definitely see this film for the terrific and terrifying acting power of Gary Lewis in the final courtroom scenes.
Hats off to the CBC for airing this program!
Noted appearances are Steve Mackintosh (of Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels), playing the plaintiff's attorney, and Gary Lewis as the Police Department's defense lawyer.
The mostly-handheld cinematography througout the film, as well as the "jump-cut" editing add to the extraordinary level of realism in this production.
Definitely see this film for the terrific and terrifying acting power of Gary Lewis in the final courtroom scenes.
Hats off to the CBC for airing this program!