Last week I watched Shine A Light, a Rolling Stones concert film conceived and directed by Martin Scorsese. It was such a disappointment and its shortcomings are best addressed by referring to the extraordinary Diana Krall Live in Paris that I watched for the first time today.
For one this film captures the dynamics of some great musicians at the top of their game - playing individually in solos and collectively as a band. The looks between these musos conveying understanding and appreciation of the awesome talents on display are compelling. These virtues are sadly missing in Shine a Light.
Secondly, the cameras don't appear to intrude on the intimacy these musicians share as they do in Scorsese's film.
Thirdly, the inclusion of grainy footage of classic Parisian footage is arty and complimentary to the film unlike Scorsese's use of old Stones press conferences which are a distraction and annoyance.
Finally, Scorsese might have has 18 cameras that captured some good shots but this film features nothing but perfectly framed shots either of individuals or the whole band. I'm pretty sure there are way fewer cameras used in this film.
Strange as I am a much bigger fan of the Stones than Diana Krall but she wins the chocolates hands down.