Sympathy for the Devil
Sympathy for the Devil

Movie spotlight

Sympathy for the Devil

1968
Movie
115 min
English

While The Rolling Stones rehearse "Sympathy for the Devil" in the studio, an alternating narrative reflects on 1968 society, politics and culture through five different vignettes.

Insights

IMDb6.3/10
Director: Jean-Luc GodardGenres: Documentary, Music

Plot Summary

This documentary captures The Rolling Stones during the recording sessions for their iconic album 'Their Satanic Majesties Request'. It offers a raw and often chaotic glimpse into the creative process, blending performance footage with philosophical musings and social commentary. The film immerses viewers in the studio environment, showcasing the band's interactions and the experimental spirit of the era.

Critical Reception

Sympathy for the Devil is a highly idiosyncratic and often polarizing film. While some critics lauded its avant-garde approach and candid portrayal of the band, others found it disjointed and self-indulgent. It is now recognized as a fascinating, albeit unconventional, document of a pivotal moment in rock music history.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its experimental and raw depiction of the Rolling Stones in the studio.

  • Criticized for its unconventional narrative structure and perceived self-indulgence.

  • Considered a unique artifact of the late 1960s music and film scene.

Google audience: Audience reception is varied, with some appreciating the intimate look at the band's creative process and the film's artistic ambition, while others find its structure challenging and less engaging than a conventional concert film.

Fun Fact

The film's original title was 'One Plus One', and it was released in different versions in some countries, with Godard's extended cut featuring more of his own philosophical and political commentary.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
CRCulver

CRCulver

Has a film ever combined one theme of such wide popular appeal with another that will interest only a small crowd and simply baffle that big popular audience? Jean-Luc Godard's <i>Sympathy for the Devil</i> would delight one set of viewers ...