Keith Richards: Under the Influence Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

An old rockstar chain-smokes and mumbles about how all his best ideas came from listening to dead blues guys.

🍿 Keith Richards: Under the Influence: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Exploring the Roots of a Legend’s Sound

The documentary serves as a deep dive into the musical influences that shaped Keith Richards’ distinctive style as a songwriter, guitarist, and performer. It follows Richards on a journey revisiting significant places and meeting fellow musicians who share or embody these foundational sounds. The film moves beyond the typical rock star narrative to focus intently on the artistry.

A Musical Journey Through America

Richards travels to key locations in American music history, including New York, Chicago, and Nashville. In these places, he discusses and demonstrates his passion for genres like blues, country, and early rock and roll, highlighting how artists from these traditions directly impacted his own musical development. Archival footage and anecdotes about legendary figures like Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, and Chuck Berry are woven into the narrative.

Behind the Scenes of ‘Crosseyed Heart’

A significant portion of the film offers a look at Richards working on his 2015 solo album, “Crosseyed Heart”. Viewers see him in the studio and in informal settings, collaborating with his band and discussing his creative process. This provides a contemporary context for his musical explorations and influences.

Conversations with Fellow Musicians

The documentary includes interactions with musicians like Steve Jordan, Tom Waits, and Buddy Guy. These segments provide external perspectives on Richards’ musical genius, his approach to playing, and the collaborative spirit in which he often works. They reinforce the film’s focus on Richards as a dedicated musician rather than just a cultural icon.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Steve Jordan (Self): A producer and musician who collaborates with Keith and offers insights into his work.
• Tom Waits (Self): A fellow musician who appears with Keith, sharing musical moments and perspectives.
• Buddy Guy (Self): A blues legend and friend who connects with Keith over their shared musical passion.
• Waddy Wachtel (Self): A musician and friend who hangs out and plays music with Keith in the film.
• Anthony DeCurtis (Self): A journalist who provides commentary and context on Keith Richards’ life and music.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Self: “Life’s a funny thing you know. And nobody wants to get old, but they don’t wanna die young either. Y’know, and you just gotta follow this thing down the path.” – Reflecting on mortality and the passage of time during a contemplative moment.
• Self: “For me, music is like the center of everything.” – Expressing the fundamental importance of music in his life and existence.
• Self: “I’ll play as long as I can get away with it.” – Stating his intention to continue performing despite his age, driven purely by his passion for music.
• Self: “America gave the world a great thing. And I ain’t talking about the H-bomb.” – Acknowledging the profound gift of American roots music (blues, country, rock and roll) to the global culture.

💰Box Office

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

💥 Keith Richards: Under the Influence Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so I went into this expecting maybe some crazy road stories, but what I got was way cooler. It’s just Keith, chilling out, talking about the music that *really* matters to him – the old blues guys, country, reggae. It felt like hanging out with a cool uncle who happens to be a rock god. Seeing him light up talking about Muddy Waters or explaining how he got yelled at by Chuck Berry was awesome. It makes you see him less as the indestructible icon and more as a fanboy himself, just obsessed with finding that perfect sound. I loved seeing the bits where he was just jamming or in the studio, clearly still living for the music. It’s a reminder that behind all the legend, there’s just a guy who lives and breathes notes and rhythms. Definitely worth watching if you love music, not just the Stones.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of The Rolling Stones interested in the music itself”
  • “Music enthusiasts, especially fans of blues, country, rock and roll, and reggae”
  • “Guitar players and musicians interested in songcraft and influences”
  • “Viewers seeking a focused portrait of an artist rather than a typical rock biography”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Focuses primarily on music and artistry; avoids typical rock star excesses (drugs, partying)”
  • “May be slow-paced for viewers expecting a high-energy concert film or biographical drama”

Professional Reviews

• Adapted: “This documentary offers an intimate look at Keith Richards, the musician, not the rock star. It’s a deep dive into his influences, highlighting his passion for blues, country, and rock ‘n’ roll pioneers. While some might find it lacks focus or is too short, it’s a genuine exploration of the music that shaped a legend.
• Adapted: “”Under the Influence” is a welcome shift, focusing purely on Keith Richards’ musical journey and inspirations. It beautifully showcases his reverence for artists like Muddy Waters and Chuck Berry. Though it skips the typical rock-and-roll tales, it provides valuable insight for serious music fans, revealing the soul behind the riffs.

Audience Reactions

Viewers loved hearing Keith talk passionately about his musical heroes.: Many appreciated that the film focused on Richards’ musical roots and influences rather than his legendary rock-and-roll lifestyle.

The moments showing him jamming or in the studio were a fan favorite.: People found it a refreshing and authentic portrait of the musician, highlighting his genuine love and respect for music.

Overall Consensus: A sincere and engaging documentary focusing on Keith Richards’ profound musical influences, best suited for music lovers and fans interested in the man behind the riffs, rather than the rock star legend.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “This film was the sixteenth Netflix original documentary.”
• “The documentary follows Richards across significant musical locations including New York, Chicago, Nashville, and Jamaica, highlighting the diverse geographic influences on his music.”
• “Featured interviews and sessions include notable musicians and collaborators such as Buddy Guy, Tom Waits, and Steve Jordan.”

🖥️ How to Watch Keith Richards: Under the Influence?

As a Netflix original documentary released in 2015, “Keith Richards: Under the Influence” was primarily available for streaming exclusively on Netflix worldwide. For those who prefer to own a copy, check digital marketplaces like Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies & TV, and Vudu for potential purchase or rental options, although availability can vary by region and platform.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Keith Richards: Under the Influence, you might like these similar films:

• Muscle Shoals (2013): Like the Richards documentary, this film delves into the origins and influences of American music, focusing on a specific legendary place and the artists who recorded there.
• Twenty Feet from Stardom (2013): Explores the impact and influence of backing vocalists on popular music, sharing a thematic link with Richards’ deep dive into the artists who influenced him and the Stones.
• The Last Waltz (1978): A classic concert film featuring The Band and many of their influential contemporaries and inspirations, capturing a moment in music history with depth and performance.
• Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice (2019): A modern documentary focusing on the journey of an iconic musician, highlighting their influences and the evolution of their unique sound across genres, similar to the portrait of Richards.
• Searching for Sugar Man (2012): This cult hit explores the rediscovery of a forgotten musician and his profound influence on culture far from where he created his music, appealing to fans interested in music history and impact.

🛒 Keith Richards: Under the Influence Related Products

• Life: Keith Richards’ critically acclaimed autobiography, offering his unfiltered perspective on his life, career, and the music that shaped him.
• Crosseyed Heart: The solo album Keith Richards was working on during the film’s production, featuring his signature guitar work and collaborations.
• Chess Records: 50th Anniversary Collection: A compilation featuring iconic tracks from blues legends like Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, and Chuck Berry, who profoundly influenced Richards.
• The Rolling Stones Gear: All the Stones’ Instruments from Stage to Studio: An in-depth look at the guitars and equipment used by Keith Richards and the Rolling Stones throughout their career.

🎧 Soundtrack

Keith Richards: Under the Influence features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Cross Eyed Heart” – performed by Keith Richards
• “Trouble” – performed by Keith Richards
• “Blues with a Feeling” – performed by Little Walter
• “Mannish Boy” – performed by Muddy Waters
• “Back Door Man” – performed by Howlin’ Wolf
• “Johnny B. Goode” – performed by Chuck Berry
• “Feels Like Rain” – performed by Buddy Guy
• “Smokestack Lightnin'” – performed by Howlin’ Wolf

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

🤨 FAQ

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