Reviews

Sympathy For The Devil

3

Jean Luc Godard's 1968 footage of The Rolling Stones in their swarthy, flamboyant prime is as much a socio-political propaganda piece as it is a rockumentary. Revolutionary-themed counterculture vignettes delivered by activist groups dominate the feature, their (often gibberish) political rhetoric leaving the viewer in no doubt that the Stones are merely Godard's house band.

Filming during Brian Jones' final sessions and following the recording of the iconic 'Sympathy For The Devil', Godard unintentionally reveals that the most historical revolution here is happening between the ranks of the Stones themselves, not on the streets of his avant-garde ghettos. The beautifully shot, intimate studies of the Glimmer Twins' creative process as they groove and cajole 'Sympathy' to its epic conclusion will be of interest to Jagger/Richards completists. But expect the self-indulgent and intrusive political hyperbole (further explored in the disc's Godard doc) to grate.

DVD Extras: Original Director's Cut 'One Plus One' , 'Voices' Award 1968, Jean-Luc Godard Documentary, Stills Gallery, Promotional Material, Trailer, Original Biographies.

Film Details

  • 15
  • DVD RELEASE: Jun 5th 2006

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