Gimme Shelter Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

The Rolling Stones throw a party in the desert, forget to hire real security, and accidentally invent mosh pits that are way too hardcore, so then they have to watch the party footage later and feel bad.

🍿 Gimme Shelter: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The 1969 US Tour Begins

The documentary opens with footage of The Rolling Stones’ 1969 US tour, capturing the band’s electrifying performances at Madison Square Garden. These early scenes showcase the band’s energy and popularity, setting a stark contrast to the events that would later unfold. Interspersed are scenes of the band in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, recording tracks for their upcoming album, Sticky Fingers.

Planning the Altamont Free Concert

As the tour progresses, plans for a free concert in Altamont Speedway begin to take shape. The film highlights the logistical challenges of organizing such a massive event, including last-minute venue changes and security arrangements. The decision to hire the Hells Angels as security, a choice that would prove disastrous, is presented matter-of-factly, without foreshadowing its tragic consequences.

The Day of the Concert: Tension Mounts

The atmosphere at Altamont is tense from the beginning. The film captures the massive crowd, the inadequate facilities, and the increasingly aggressive behavior of the Hells Angels. Performances by other bands, including Jefferson Airplane and The Flying Burrito Brothers, are marred by violence and conflict. The film shows Grace Slick pleading for calm after Marty Balin is assaulted, underscoring the escalating chaos.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Mick Jagger (Mick Jagger): The charismatic frontman of the Rolling Stones, who attempts to manage the increasingly chaotic Altamont concert.
• Keith Richards (Keith Richards): The Rolling Stones’ guitarist, seen performing and reacting to the unfolding events at Altamont.
• The Rolling Stones (The Rolling Stones): The headlining band whose free concert at Altamont ended in violence and tragedy, marking a dark turn for the era.
• Hells Angels (Sonny Barger): The motorcycle gang hired as security for the Altamont concert whose violent actions contributed to the event’s disastrous outcome.
• Meredith Hunter (N/A): The concert attendee whose stabbing death at the hands of a Hells Angel became a symbol of the Altamont’s tragic end.
• Grace Slick (Marty Balin): The vocalist of Jefferson Airplane, who desperately tries to pacify the crowd while chaos unfold in front of her.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Mick Jagger: “Why are we fighting? What for?” – Jagger pleads with the crowd to stop the violence erupting during the Stones’ performance.
• Grace Slick: “You gotta keep your bodies off each other unless you intend love.” – Grace Slick of Jefferson Airplane attempts to calm the crowd down after violent incidents, advocating for peace and respect.
• Mick Jagger: “Everybody be cool now.” – Said in a slightly nervous tone as events escalate beyond his control, a plea for order amid the chaos.
• Sonny Barger: “We’re not cops.” – Hells Angel leader Sonny Barger’s declaration underscores their brutal approach to security, contrasting with conventional law enforcement.

💰Box Office

• Budget: N/A
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: $999

💥 Gimme Shelter Reviews

Personal Review

Wow, this movie hit me hard. I always knew about Altamont, but seeing it unfold on screen was something else. The energy is electric, but there’s this sense of dread hanging over everything. Watching the Stones watch themselves is strangely compelling – you can see the weight of what happened on their faces. I was especially struck by the footage of the crowd; their faces tell the whole story of the 60s dream turning sour. It’s a tough watch, but incredibly powerful and thought-provoking.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Music documentary fans”
  • “Rolling Stones fans”
  • “Those interested in 1960s counterculture”
  • “Viewers interested in social commentary”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Drug use”
  • “Disturbing content”
  • “Graphic scenes”

Professional Reviews

• Rolling Stone: “A raw and unflinching look at a pivotal moment in rock history, Gimme Shelter captures the chaotic energy of Altamont and the disillusionment that followed. While the film doesn’t offer easy answers, it provides a powerful and disturbing portrait of a generation on the brink.
• The New York Times: “The Maysles brothers’ masterful documentary goes beyond a simple concert film, delving into the logistical nightmares and societal tensions that culminated in the tragedy at Altamont. The film’s cinéma vérité style puts the viewer right in the middle of the chaos, making for a truly unsettling experience.
• Variety: “Gimme Shelter is a compelling and important document of a dark chapter in rock history. The film’s strength lies in its ability to capture the raw energy of the performances and the disturbing reality of the violence, creating a lasting and unforgettable impression.

Audience Reactions

Raw and unfiltered look at the end of the 60s.: Most viewers agree that the film is a stark and realistic portrayal of a cultural shift.

The concert footage is electrifying, even with the underlying tension.: Viewers often praise the film for capturing the energy and excitement of the Rolling Stones’ performance, juxtaposed with the growing chaos.

Overall Consensus: A powerful and disturbing documentary that captures the chaotic energy and tragic events of the Altamont Free Concert, serving as a stark reminder of the end of an era.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The Rolling Stones initially planned for the free concert to be a surprise at Golden Gate Park, but after the announcement at a press conference, the city denied the permit due to the expected crowd size.”
• “The Grateful Dead suggested using the Hells Angels for security, a practice they had employed at their own concerts, unaware of the potential for violence at a larger event.”
• “Much of the footage was shot by multiple camera crews simultaneously, capturing different angles of the concert and the escalating chaos.”
• “The Maysles brothers initially intended to create a celebratory film of the Rolling Stones’ tour but shifted focus after the events at Altamont.”

🖥️ How to Watch Gimme Shelter?

Gimme Shelter is a documentary available for streaming or purchase on various platforms. While specific streaming availability may vary, check services like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and YouTube Movies for rental or purchase options. Criterion Channel may also offer it as part of their curated collection. Availability may change, so check listings for the most up-to-date information.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Gimme Shelter, you might like these similar films:

• Woodstock (1970): Documents another monumental music festival of the era, providing a stark contrast to Altamont’s dark turn.
• Monterey Pop (1968): Captures the vibrant energy of the Monterey International Pop Festival, an earlier, more idealistic music gathering.
• Amy (2015): Explores the life and tragic downfall of singer Amy Winehouse, highlighting the pressures and pitfalls of fame, reminiscent of the Stones’ own struggles.
• O.J.: Made in America (2016): Similar in that it illustrates the end of an era and change in social consciousness; a fall from grace and exposure of dark underbelly.

🛒 Gimme Shelter Related Products

• The Rolling Stones – Let It Bleed (Vinyl): A reissue of the classic album from the Rolling Stones featuring the song ‘Gimme Shelter’.
• The Rolling Stones: A Life on Film: Features iconic photographs and stories from throughout their careers, including behind-the-scenes moments from the Gimme Shelter era.
• Rolling Stones Tongue T-Shirt: The classic Rolling Stones logo on a comfortable, high-quality t-shirt.

🎧 Soundtrack

Gimme Shelter features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” – performed by The Rolling Stones
• “Satisfaction” – performed by The Rolling Stones
• “Gimme Shelter” – performed by The Rolling Stones
• “Sympathy for the Devil” – performed by The Rolling Stones
• “The Other Side of This Life” – performed by Jefferson Airplane
• “Honky Tonk Women” – performed by The Rolling Stones

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Merry Clayton on Recording ‘Gimme Shelter” with the Rolling Stones on The Queen Latifah Show

Ever wondered what it was *really* like recording ‘Gimme Shelter’ with the Stones? Merry Clayton tells her incredible story on Queen Latifah – you won’t believe what happened!

The Tragic True Story of Gimme Shelter by The Rolling Stones

This video dives deep into the *dark* backstory of ‘Gimme Shelter’ and how it affected the people involved. Prepare for some shocking revelations!

The Stones Brown Sugar Relax in the Hotel (1969) Rock & Roll’s Star System

Check out this rare glimpse of the Stones chilling in a hotel room back in ’69! It’s pretty wild to see them just hanging out like normal dudes.

Watch Keith Richards Play ‘Gimme Shelter’ at the Apollo Theater

You gotta see Keith Richards absolutely *nail* “Gimme Shelter” live at the Apollo, paying tribute to the legendary Merry Clayton. It’s pure rock ‘n’ roll magic!

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