Documentary: Gimme Shelter

The Wiz RECOMMENDS Gimme Shelter Often called one of the best concert films of all-time, The Maysles' and Catherine Zwerin's account of The Rolling Stones' infamous 1969 U.S. Tour is a bit more than just a concert film. The film is more about The Rolling Stones and the setup of the Altamont Speedway Free Concert which ultimately led to tragedy. The film highlights a few things that are interesting: - The daunting task that The Rolling Stones' handlers and attorneys had to deal with when getting clearance for the concert and what the Stones were doing at the time of all of this happening. - The Rolling Stones after the ill-fated concert and their reactions to the film we are watching. And that framing device of The Rolling Stones watching the film is important: it shows, without telling, the effect it had on the band members, especially Mick Jagger. It's easy to see why this film is considered important and one of the best documentaries: it's a concert film, true crime and a business story all rolled into one. But if you aren't a Rolling Stones fan...or generally hate their music...it might not be worth the watch for you.