🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Davis Guggenheim
- Genre: Documentary, Music
- Release year: 2008
- Runtime (length): 1h 38min
- IMDb rating: 7.6/10 (14K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 78%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
Three guitar gods get together to prove that electric guitars are cool… even though we already knew that, duh!
🍿 It Might Get Loud: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Introduction to Three Guitar Icons
The film introduces Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin), The Edge (U2), and Jack White (The White Stripes) – three influential guitarists from different generations. It sets the stage by highlighting their distinct musical backgrounds and styles. Each artist shares early experiences with music and their initial fascination with the electric guitar. This segment emphasizes their individual journeys before their eventual meeting.

Exploring Individual Musical Journeys
The documentary delves into each guitarist’s personal history, showcasing their influences and the development of their signature sounds. Jimmy Page discusses his early session work and the formation of Led Zeppelin. The Edge reflects on U2’s beginnings and his innovative use of effects pedals. Jack White shares his blues-inspired roots and his minimalist approach to guitar playing. Archival footage and interviews provide deeper context.

The Summit: A Meeting of Legends
The core of the film revolves around a meeting where Page, The Edge, and White come together to share their experiences and play music. This section captures their interactions as they discuss their philosophies on music and the electric guitar. The documentary shows them listening to influential recordings, demonstrating techniques, and even attempting to collaborate on songs. The meeting highlights both their differences and their shared passion.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Jimmy Page (Self): A legendary guitarist from Led Zeppelin, known for his innovative and influential approach to rock music.
- The Edge (Self): The guitarist from U2, famous for his signature soundscapes and use of effects in creating the band’s iconic sound.
- Jack White (Self): The versatile musician from The White Stripes, recognized for his blues-inspired rock and raw, minimalist style.
- Dallas Schoo (Self): The Edge’s Guitar Tech, an important behind-the-scenes figure who maintains and supports the Edge’s complex sound.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Jack White: “Never wanted to play guitar. Ever. Everyone plays guitar. What’s the point.” – White explains his initial reluctance to play guitar due to its ubiquity.
- Jimmy Page: “The curves of the guitar are like a woman’s.” – Page expresses his deep connection and almost sensual appreciation for the instrument.
- Jimmy Page: “It just builds and builds like an orgasm.” – Said when talking about Stairway to Heaven.
💰Box Office
- Budget: None
- Domestic Gross: $1,610,163
- Worldwide Gross: $1,896,244
💥 It Might Get Loud Reviews
Personal Review
As a longtime rock fan, this documentary felt like a backstage pass to the minds of my heroes. Seeing Jimmy Page geek out over Link Wray’s ‘Rumble’ was pure gold! I especially loved how each musician’s background influenced their sound; it gave me a whole new appreciation for their music. This film is a must-see for anyone who loves rock music and the electric guitar.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of Led Zeppelin, U2, and The White Stripes”
- “Guitar players and music enthusiasts”
- “Those interested in the creative process of songwriting”
- “Documentary lovers”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Occasional strong language”
- “Brief drug references”
Professional Reviews
- Rolling Stone: “A fascinating glimpse into the minds and souls of three iconic guitarists. The film avoids rock-doc clichés, offering genuine insight into their creative processes.
- The New York Times: “Davis Guggenheim avoids hagiography, instead focusing on the passion and dedication that drives these artists. It’s an engaging and surprisingly intimate portrait.
- Variety: “A treat for guitar aficionados, but also accessible to casual fans. The film captures the sheer joy of making music, and the camaraderie between Page, The Edge, and White is infectious.
Audience Reactions
The jam sessions were electrifying and felt incredibly authentic.: Viewers praised the genuine camaraderie and respect between the three guitarists.
Jimmy Page’s enthusiasm for music history was infectious and inspiring.: Many fans loved the personal stories and insights into the musicians’ creative processes.
Overall Consensus: A highly engaging and insightful documentary that explores the passion and creativity of three legendary guitarists. A must-see for rock fans.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “All three participants have featured in music from a James Bond opening credits. Jimmy Page played on “Goldfinger (1964)”, The Edge and Jack White contributed title tracks to “GoldenEye (1995)” and “Quantum of Solace (2008)” respectively.”
- “The film features a scene where Jack White builds a working guitar out of a Coke bottle, a plank of wood, and a wire, demonstrating his DIY approach to music.”
- “Jimmy Page gets visibly excited and plays air guitar while listening to Link Wray’s “Rumble”, revealing the song’s profound influence on him.”
🖥️ How to Watch It Might Get Loud?
As a documentary, ‘It Might Get Loud’ is widely available for streaming and purchase. You can find it on platforms like Amazon Prime Video (for rent or purchase), Apple TV, and other digital retailers. Check your preferred streaming service for availability in your region. Physical copies (DVD/Blu-ray) are also often available through major retailers and online marketplaces such as Amazon. Availability may vary.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed It Might Get Loud, you might like these similar films:
- The Last Waltz (1978): A seminal concert film documenting The Band’s farewell performance, capturing the energy and camaraderie of legendary musicians.
- Standing in the Shadows of Motown (2002): Highlights the unsung studio musicians, The Funk Brothers, who played on countless Motown hits, showcasing their incredible talent.
- Dig! (2004): A documentary that follows the tumultuous relationship between The Brian Jonestown Massacre and The Dandy Warhols, offering a raw look at band dynamics and creative struggles.
- Stop Making Sense (1984): An innovative concert film featuring the Talking Heads, known for its dynamic stage presence and unique visual style, mirroring the energy of ‘It Might Get Loud’.
🛒 It Might Get Loud Related Products
- Led Zeppelin Complete Studio Recordings (Remastered): The complete remastered studio albums of Led Zeppelin. A must-have for any fan of Jimmy Page and classic rock.
- U2 – The Joshua Tree (30th Anniversary Edition): Deluxe edition of U2’s iconic album, featuring remastered tracks, unreleased recordings, and memorabilia. A collector’s item for U2 fans.
- Fender Jimmy Page Telecaster: A recreation of Jimmy Page’s iconic Telecaster, as seen in the film, complete with custom wiring and a vintage look.
- The White Stripes – Elephant (Vinyl): Vinyl record of The White Stripes’ seminal album. A must-own for any fan of Jack White and garage rock.
🎧 Soundtrack
It Might Get Loud features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
- “Whole Lotta Love” – performed by Led Zeppelin
- “Where the Streets Have No Name” – performed by U2
- “Seven Nation Army” – performed by The White Stripes
- “Rumble” – performed by Link Wray
- “Gratitude” – performed by The Edge
- “Cokey Bottle Blues” – performed by Jack White
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
‘It Might Get Loud’ is a documentary exploring the electric guitar through the lens of three iconic musicians: Jimmy Page, The Edge, and Jack White. It examines their individual approaches to music, their influences, and their shared passion for the instrument.
You can typically rent or purchase ‘It Might Get Loud’ on streaming platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and other digital movie retailers. Check your local listings for availability. It’s also often available on DVD and Blu-ray.
Jack White represents a more modern blues-influenced guitarist compared to Jimmy Page’s classic rock and The Edge’s experimental sound. This generational diversity creates an interesting dynamic that allows for a broader exploration of the electric guitar’s evolution.
🔥 Bonus Content
U2’s The Edge soundchecks his guitar rig (It Might Get Loud)
Ever wondered how The Edge gets that iconic U2 sound? This video shows him meticulously soundchecking his guitar rig, and trust me, it’s a fascinating deep dive into the tech behind the magic!
It Might Get Loud (Jimmy Page Outtakes) 1/3
Want to see more of Jimmy Page being Jimmy Page? This video is packed with almost 10 minutes of outtakes, giving you a rare glimpse behind the scenes. You won’t regret it!
Jimmy Page Listening to Rumble.avi
Seeing a legend like Jimmy Page genuinely impressed by another artist’s music is just awesome! Watch him listen to ‘Rumble’ and you’ll understand why it’s so captivating.
Jimmy Page, The Edge, Jack White – The Weight (It might get loud)
Imagine Jimmy Page, The Edge, and Jack White jamming together! This performance of ‘The Weight’ is a must-watch to see these legends collaborate – the result is surprisingly good!
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