The Unsung Hero of the World’s Greatest Band

Read Time:3 Minute, 41 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
The Stones and Brian Jones
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Genre: Documentary, Music
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 1h 33m
Director(s): Nick Broomfield
Where To Watch: now available everywhere; for more information, visit www.magpictures.com/thestonesandbrianjones

RAVING REVIEW: So, full transparency, I’ve been a Rolling Stones fan for most of my life; this fandom was handed down to me by my dad, who I’ve gone with four times to see the Stones perform live in concert. When I tell you that this documentary offers something for everyone, I mean it. I watched it with my dad, and we both learned things. We both consider ourselves pretty big fans. While we both knew of Brian Jones and his legacy with The Stones, there was so much more that we only had surface-level knowledge of. With THE STONES AND BRIAN JONES, Nick Broomfield does more than chronicle a musical era; he breathes life into it. This film is an intricate exploration of the 60s music scene, anchored by the story of Brian Jones, who was pivotal in elevating the Rolling Stones to legendary status. It's not just a retrospective; it's a journey into the very heartbeat of rock history.

THE STONES AND BRIAN JONES, directed by Broomfield, is an evocative exploration of a bygone era, teeming with the vibrancy and volatility of the 1960s. At its core, it’s a story about a man, Brian Jones, whose influence in the music world was as profound as it was uncelebrated. I would be willing to bet that many people who proudly call themselves Stones fans haven’t heard of Jones. This isn’t a knock on those fans but a message on how much of this band's history has been lost.

Broomfield’s film is a visual and auditory time capsule, capturing the sounds, sights, and spirit of a period that reshaped the cultural and musical landscape. The director’s narrative style resembles a painter's, blending interviews, archival clips, and narration to sketch a detailed portrait of Jones’s life and his contributions to the Rolling Stones.

Broomfield’s personal connection with Jones enriches this cinematic odyssey, adding a layer of authenticity and emotional depth. The film navigates through the turbulent waters of fame, addressing Jones’s struggles with addiction and his waning influence in the band with an honesty that strikes a chord of poignancy.

Its focus on the band's developing years sets THE STONES AND BRIAN JONES apart from the long list of documentaries on the band. It's a goldmine for enthusiasts and an eye-opener for newbies, depicting the band's inception, climb to fame, and the internal dynamics that fueled their rise. Broomfield’s direction transforms the film from a mere homage into a comprehensive narrative of the band’s journey.

The film’s allure lies in its interviews, offering an intimate glimpse into Jones's world, often overshadowed by his more famous counterparts. These heart-to-heart conversations, mixed with rare footage, stitch together a vivid mosaic of Jones's exhilarating yet challenging life in the fast lane.

As a music documentary, THE STONES AND BRIAN JONES is a cinematic cornerstone. It strikes a balance between the personal and the historical, the emotional and the factual, painting a well-rounded picture of Jones's impact on the music world. This film transcends the boundaries of traditional documentary filmmaking, inviting the audience to step into the shoes of one of rock’s most enigmatic figures.

THE STONES AND BRIAN JONES is an essential must-watch for Rolling Stones fans and music lovers. The film is as enlightening as it is entertaining, paying a fitting tribute to a musician whose story is as enthralling as the era he influenced. Broomfield’s unique blend of personal insight and historical context elevates the film, rendering it an unparalleled and unforgettable cinematic journey.

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[photo courtesy of MAGNOLIA PICTURES]