Review: Shine a Light

Jean-Luc Godard and the Maysles Brothers each put their personal touches on the Rolling Stones in their films “Sympathy for the Devil” (1968) and “Gimme Shelter” (1970), respectively. But Scorsese’s new concert doc is mostly Mick’s show, not Marty’s film. In a verite backstage intro, the yappy, manic Scorsese comes off as self-parodying. Executive producers Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts and Ronnie Wood jack him around. Seems they are hiding the set list from their hyper-as-a-hummingbird director until the last minute. Scorsese enjoyed more access to The Band when he filmed their last concert. The Stones, though, are taking no last bow. The sixtysomething rockers roll through eighteen numbers that were filmed on two nights at the Beacon Theater in NYC. Scrawny, sweaty Jagger parades on stage—hideously lit, as if an autopsy table—as if he’s riding a gay pride float. His knack for dance pastiche is well framed by director of photography Robert Richardson, whose A-list lensers include John Toll, Stuart Dryburgh, Robert Elswit, Emmanuel Lubezki and Ellen Kuras. With onstage assists by Christina Aguilera, Buddy Guy and Jack White III. 122m. (Bill Stamets)