Charlie Is My Darling

Charlie is My Darling, directed by Peter Whitehead and produced by Andrew Loog Oldham, offers a remarkably insightful, intimate and atmospheric account of the early uplifting moments of one of the world's most iconic rock bands: The Rolling Stones. The 1966 black-and-white documentary revolves around the lives of these young artists as they are thrust into the spotlight, navigating the swift and dizzying shift from relative obscurity to phenomenal fame.

This cinematic piece captures the Stones' two-day tour of Ireland just as they are about to achieve global superstar status, but still retain their raw and youthful exuberance. It marks a compelling historical period of both the band and 1960s culture, providing a vivid snapshot of the music and zeitgeist that shaped this era.

The film introduces us to Mick Jagger and Keith Richards— the tip of the Stones' spearhead— who are in their early twenties, full of cheekiness, charm, and prodigious talent. Jagger's stunning stage presence and electric performance style are on full display as the band brings each venue to life — a precursor to the exceptional performer he would become. Richards, with his enviable dexterity on the guitar, also comes into his own, hinting at the iconic stature he would eventually achieve.

We also meet Brian Jones, lauded as the conceptual founder of the Rolling Stones. His relatively more introverted demeanor is a stark contrast to the frolicking and playful conduct of Jagger and Richards. His seriousness when talking about music and the band's direction serves to underscore the prime role he played in the early years of the Rolling Stones.

The film also features the remaining band members, drummer Charlie Watts and bassist Bill Wyman. Watts delivers a thoughtful and reflective performance, his steady, calm demeanor seemingly anchoring the band amidst the rollercoaster of fame and popularity. Wyman, perhaps the most subdued of the group, offers an insightful perspective into the dynamic workings of the band.

What really sets "Charlie Is My Darling" apart is the unprecedented access Whitehead was granted, thereby capturing the Stones in a way rarely seen: off stage, letting their guards down, imparting dreams of the future, and giving their thoughts on their skyrocketing careers. Spontaneous back-room performances of the Stones joking around on their own compositions and mimicking their music idols, long hotel nights full of laughter and discussions about life, love, and music all seem to forecast the colossal impact their music would have on the world.

The film's aura permeates an 'on the brink’ mood; a slice of time right before the band is about to explode from 'England's newest hitmakers' to 'The World's Greatest Rock ‘n’ Roll Band.' The viewer witnesses the last vestiges of their innocence, as they grapple with the concept of fame and the inherent pressures that come with it.

Several concert sequences feature in the documentary, showing the overwhelming public responses, creating a vivid image of the fan frenzy that characterized Beatlemania and the early days of the Stones. The fan reactions, particularly the mass fainting and frenzied chasing of the band, serve to underline the enormous popularity the Rolling Stones were gaining and their impact on the youth of the time.

Intertwined with this dizzying rise to fame are scenes capturing the band's interactions with the local Irish community, offering a poignant contrast between their public persona and their real, private selves. Through a mosaic of concert footage, behind-the-scenes moments, and riotous fan reactions, the film paints an intriguing picture of the societal and cultural whirlwind the Rolling Stones found themselves in.

In its entirety, "Charlie Is My Darling" stands as a valuable historical document, a time capsule containing memories of the time when rock and roll was young, the world was raging, and the Rolling Stones were poised to become one of the greatest bands in history. The film resonates as a poignant reminder of fleeting youth, a mirror into the past, and testament to the Stones' enduring legacy. It's an essential watch for any Rolling Stones fan or music history enthusiast, offering an unparalleled, intimate look at the band before they were the icons we know today.