Gimme Shelter

Synopsis

Gimme Shelter is a compelling 1970 documentary film that chronicles the final and fateful tour of The Rolling Stones in 1969, focusing particularly on their infamous concert at Altamont Speedway. Directed by Albert and David Maysles and Charlotte Zwerin, the film captures the raw energy and tension surrounding the band and their fans during a turbulent era marked by social upheaval and the counterculture movement. Central to the film is the stark portrayal of the Altamont Free Concert, intended as a West Coast Woodstock but marred by violence and tragic events. Featuring iconic performances and candid moments with Mick Jagger and the band, Gimme Shelter offers an unflinching look at the darker side of the 1960s rock and roll scene.

Cast

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  Mick Jagger

  Self - The Rolling Stones Member

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  Charlie Watts

  Self - The Rolling Stones Member

• 

  Keith Richards

  Self - The Rolling Stones Member

• 

  Mick Taylor

  Self - The Rolling Stones Member

• 

  Bill Wyman

  Self - The Rolling Stones Member

• 

  Marty Balin

  Self

Reviews

Gimme Shelter has been widely praised for its unvarnished and gripping depiction of a historic moment in rock history. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an impressive 93% approval rating, with critics lauding the documentary's raw authenticity and powerful storytelling. The site’s consensus highlights the film as “a sobering glimpse into the intensity and volatility of the rock festival era.” IMDb users have given it a solid 7.8/10, appreciating the film’s remarkable footage and historical significance, noting how it captures both exhilarating performances and the unsettling atmosphere of the Altamont concert. Metacritic rates the film at 85/100, indicating universal acclaim, with reviewers particularly praising the Maysles brothers' cinéma vérité style which immerses viewers in the chaotic environment without commentary or bias. Some critiques mention that the film’s grim moments and lack of narrative resolution can be challenging to watch, but overall, Gimme Shelter is considered an essential documentary for both music fans and cultural historians. Its enduring impact is evident in how it continues to provoke discussion about the complex dynamics of fame, youth culture, and societal tensions during the late 1960s.