The Rolling Stones - Stones In Exile

The Rolling Stones - Stones in Exile is a compelling 2010 documentary film featuring one of the most legendary rock bands in history, The Rolling Stones. Directed by Stephen Kijak, this film provides an intimate and engrossing experience, taking the audience into the lives of the band members, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts, Bill Wyman, and Mick Taylor during the making of their seminal 1972 album "Exile on Main Street."

The film specifically focuses on the band's retreat to France in 1971 due to escalating financial and legal troubles in Britain. Displaced and seeking refuge, The Rolling Stones inhabit a lavish mansion, Villa Nellcote in the South of France, which quickly advances from being a place of exile to being a playground and secret recording studio where some of their most cherished music came to life.

Stones in Exile offers an insightful analysis of this fascinating chapter in rock ‘n’ roll history, documenting the pressures, escapades, creativity, and camaraderie that shaped the Stones' "Exile on Main Street." While we don't get a straightforward, linear narrative as such, the tale unfolds through a rich tapestry of archival footage, photographs, and contemporary interviews.

The film features interviews with the band members themselves, as they share personal anecdotes and memories from that unique period. Mick Jagger and Keith Richards discuss the band's decision to move to France, their need to adapt to a new culture and lifestyle, as well as the bitingly fierce creative process that resulted in their album.

Apart from Jagger and Richards, we also hear from other musicians and key figures associated with The Rolling Stones. Charlie Watts, the tireless powerhouse drummer, gives his perspective on living and recording in France, while Bill Wyman, the reconsidered bass guitarist, recounts the chaotic and no-rules atmosphere prevalent in the mansion. Mick Taylor, around whom much intrigue swirled during his tenure with the Stones, also brings his unique viewpoint and candid revelations to the mix, making every aspect of the band's story multifaceted and compelling.

The 70s epoch spotlighted in this movie represents not just a seminal period for The Rolling Stones, but also a turning point in rock ‘n’ roll history. This was the era when rock music was at its peak, oozing brash assertion, political rebellion, and excessive hedonism. All of these dynamics are brilliantly encapsulated in this film, making it a significant document of the times.

Director Kijak was undoubtedly granted remarkable access to the Stones' archives for this film, which allowed him to paint a highly detailed and intimate portrait. The treasure trove of never-seen-before photographs and footage does a remarkable job at transporting the audience to the heart of that tumultuous period, crossing the threshold of raw rock ‘n’ roll indulgence, and the daunting creative process.

The film also shines a spotlight on artistic companionship and resilience, as the Rolling Stones powered through personal rifts, creative disagreements, management mess-ups, and societal pressures. As such, Stones in Exile is more than a fly-on-the-wall documentary - it's a testament to a legendary rock band’s unyielding spirit and artistic commitment in the face of unparalleled challenges.

Essentially, The Rolling Stones - Stones in Exile serves as a captivating love letter to what many consider the Stones' finest work, "Exile on Main Street." The music itself is naturally a huge part of the documentary, with several songs from the album providing the film's vibrant and emotional soundtrack. From power-packed rock anthems to soulful blues-infused ballads, the music brings a captivating rhythm to the film.

For fans of The Rolling Stones, Stones in Exile provides an unprecedented backstage pass to a pivotal moment in the band's history. For music lovers in general, it offers an enthralling window into the potent, chaotic, and sometimes absurd world of rock 'n' roll at its most outrageously decadent moment. Filled with nostalgia, reality, turbulence, and triumph, this film is a must-watch for anyone interested in the journey and impact of one of the world's most iconic rock bands.