It Might Get Loud
Davis Guggenheim's rock-doc on three guitar legends will give music geeks something to sing about.
If seeing Jimmy Page, The Edge and Jack White playing in a room together wouldn’t give chills to any music geek, I don’t know what would.
Director Davis Guggenheim scored three generations of rock 'n' roll gods, guitarists from Led Zeppelin, U2, and The White Stripes, in his documentary tribute to the electric guitar, “It Might Get Loud.”
The trio got together in January 2008 to chat about their mutual love of the instrument and inevitably ended up jamming. Exhilarating circular dolly shots take in the legends playing together.
Most of the film’s running time is found in the more captivating individual artist portraits where the boys visit old stomping grounds, gush about musical inspiration, and reveal techniques.
The Edge breaks down U2’s “Elevation,” revealing an embarrassingly simple two-chord pattern hidden beneath all the effects. White’s raw, gritty blues flavored rock and anti-technology sentiment make him a polar opposite player. Page’s screen time gets shafted a little, but he was less willing to open up, probably trying to retain his rock god mythos.
It’s a bit demystifying, though valuable to see where the greats found their own inspiration: Page from rock pioneer Link Wray, The Edge from punk outfits The Jam and The Clash, White from the rockabilly of Flat Duo Jets.
Differing musical styles aside, each of the men shares the love of playing honest music. The spirit of rock ‘n’ roll lives on through these guys.
The music geek’s ultimate documentary, “It Might Get Loud” will give fans a peek behind the curtain with three of rock’s greatest living players.
Written by: Tom Helberg
Reviewers Rating: 9
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Added: 26-Sep-2009
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