For some people, this movie may just be a nice little retrospective of a couple of British farts who got their rocks off smashing their instruments. For others, it's a document of the place and time of a formidable rock ensemble. For me, and hopefully a batch of others, it's an awe-inspiring mix of rock, humor, and destruction. I first saw this movie when I was at the tender age of three. On the screen, those four men appeared godlike. Each member of the band was their own person: Roger, the throbbing sex symbol; John, the strong and silent one who is possibly the most twisted one of the quartet; Keith, the veritable madman; and Pete, the double-edged dry-witted joker and pensive introvert. One great thing about this movie is that it stops with the 'Who Are You' album, after which point many believe The Who were no longer The Who. I agree. Townshend got too serious with his writing. One interesting point of study is the group dynamic, and how they interact. The editing is done quite humorously: Pete Townshend talks about how his stage persona is hardly the same person he is off stage. "I just- I do my job, and I have to get into a certain state of mind to do it." Cut to: Pete at Woodstock during "Sparks," throwing his guitar around and making sub-orgasmic feedback sounds with his instrument. I love this movie. I encourage all rock fans/students/scholars to check it out. You'll be surprised, amazed, awed, shocked...and you'll miss Keith Moon.
Review of The Kids Are Alright
