Fans of classic rock and the turbulent decade of the ‘60s will find much to like here, but it might be too niche for everyone else.
What it's about
Using a mix of exclusive interviews and archival footage, Nick Broomfield creates a portrait of The Rolling Stones co-founder and guitarist Brian Jones, who passed away just seven years after the iconic band was formed.
The take
Though it’s a bit chaotic in structure—it’s chronological but all over the place—The Stones and Brian Jones is a compelling and crucial portrait of The Rolling Stones’ co-founding member and original leader. Jones’ life is typical of rock stars, from the misunderstood childhood and philandering habits to drug dependence and luxurious lifestyle, but director Nick Broomfield tries to paint more nuance into his character. We’re reminded, through interviews with past lovers and even letters from a family that disowned him, that he was also ambitious, insecure, sensitive, affectionate, gentle, and moody. Too often, Broomfield will relish in Jones’ tragedy, when he could’ve focused more on his musical prowess and technical knowledge, but it is overall a fair picture. It’s sympathetic to Jones of course, but Broomfield doesn’t forget to include excerpts from Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, who ‘till now seem to harbor mixed feelings over Jones (he did have Jagger arrested after all). There’s drama and tension and a good deal of great music, which are always fun to watch.
What stands out
They’re there via short excerpts, but Jagger and Richards’ lack of input feels so heavy here, especially they are and continue to be the face of the band.
Comments
Add a comment
Your name
Your comment
UP NEXT
UP NEXT
UP NEXT
More like this in
Once Were Warriors (1994)
A Maori family survives in an alienating Auckland in this raw, tragic drama
8.0
My Old Ass (2024)
A pleasant mix of comedy and coming-of-age that may or may not leave you in tears
8.0
Look Back (2024)
Art connects people through time and space in this short and sweet drama
9.0
The President (2014)
A dictator and his grandson try to escape the revolution in this bleak, satiric drama
7.3
System Crasher (2019)
A tale of trauma and one of the most talked about movies on Netflix in 2020.
9.0
Emilia Pérez (2024)
Zoe Saldaña and Selena Gomez return to their roots in this multinational crime musical drama
7.5
Hail Satan? (2019)
Forget everything you think you know about the Satanic Temple
8.0
Short Sharp Shock (1998)
Three friends take to the streets of Hamburg in this multicultural crime drama
7.5
Cold War (2018)
A quiet Polish masterpiece with ravishing music and dazzling visuals
9.2
He Loves Me… He Loves Me Not (2002)
A unique romantic comedy that takes dark and unexpected turns