"Gimme Shelter" and the Death of the 60's Utopian Dream

If you haven’t seen the Maysles Brothers’ documentary from 1970, “Gimme Shelter”, do everything you can to see it now.  Even if you aren’t a fan of the Rolling Stones, concert films or rock and roll in general, it is a film of immense significance, invention and power.

First of all, “Gimme Shelter” stands as a cinematic symbol for the death of the ideals and dreams of the hippy generation of the 60‘s. In the 60’s, an entire generation collectively believed that they could change the world for the better and build a utopia.  Michael Wadleigh’s “Woodstock” (1970) as a documentary and event, is the antithesis of “Gimme Shelter” because it showed this idealism.  Woodstock was a concert held in the summer before Altamont, and succeeded as a testament to the peace, revolution and love ideals associated with the hippy movement in the 60‘s.  “Gimme Shelter” on the other hand, took place in early December of 1969.  In its final half hour, the Maysles brothers' documentary, shows the viewer death, confusion, and disillusionment on a grand scale.

At a massive concert held at the Altamont Speedway in San Francisco, top-tier bands of the time are booked, headlined by the Rolling Stones.  The performances are disrupted and disturbed by violence and ultimately murder at the hands of concert-goers and the intended security of the concert, The Hell’s Angels.  No other concert film in history bears witness to the cultural relevance of the proceedings at the end of the film.  This is the ultimate pro-filmic event.  Everything about the concert seems ill-fated: the viewer is witness to stoned hippies freaking out on bad acid, backstage/logistical chaos, and a proposed security system that is questionable from the start.

Another reason for the importance of “Gimme Shelter” is its stylistic inventiveness.  A conventional documentary would have shown the Rolling Stones in concert, performing and their backstage antics.  “Gimme Shelter” goes a step beyond this by showing members of the band watching footage of the unedited film and their North American tour after it has happened in the editing room.  The viewer witnesses the band’s reactions to and commentary on what they have already done and live performances that have already taken place.  No previous documentary had this complex playfulness and added dimension.

Finally, “Gimme Shelter” is a great document of the Rolling Stones at the height of their fame, youthfulness and skill.  The live performances leading up the final concert at Altamont are electrifying and engaging. The energy in the crowd of each concert is tangible and helps to demonstrate what made the Stones one of the most famous and adored rock bands in the world. The film is beautifully restored by the Criterion Collection and the video and sound is phenomenal. 

For anyone thirsting for a concert documentary that is culturally significant, original in its style and form, containing great music and performances, look no further than 1970’s “Gimme Shelter”.  In the end, the film shows just how naive and delusional the ideals of the 60’s generation were.  These events have shaped the trajectory of history and society in many ways.