Rolling Stone: Life and Death of Brian Jones

Rolling Stone: Life and Death of Brian Jones is an intriguing and compelling documentary that delves deep into the life, musical journey, unusual personality, and mysterious demise of Brian Jones, the original member and founder of the legendary rock band, The Rolling Stones.

As the title suggests, the film primarily focuses on Jones's dynamic yet tragic life. Released in 2019, it is not just a chronicle of the musician's life or an in-depth exploration of his artistry but also an insight into the backdrop of the 1960s cultural and musical revolution in which Jones played a major role. It is a distinctly inimitable film that manages to explore both the light and shade of this brilliantly talented yet troubled musician.

The film is directed by British filmmaker Danny Garcia and includes interviews and testimonies from those who knew Jones personally. These include the acclaimed photographer Terry O'Neill, publicist Keith Altham, friend and confidant Roxanne Fontana, sound engineer Phil Brown, and Sam Cutler, the former tour manager of The Rolling Stones, to name a few. Through these interviews, the documentary presents an empathetic exploration of Jones' journey, chronicling not just his rise to fame, but also his struggle, substance use, troubled relationships, and the circumstances that led to his alienation from the band he founded.

The movie begins with Brian Jones's early life in Cheltenham, England, highlighting his immense talent as a musician and his fascination with various instruments. It illustrates how Jones, although overshadowed by the likes of Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, was the guiding force behind The Rolling Stones in their early years. His tremendous contribution to the band's initial success through his multi-instrumental skills and aesthetic sense is recognized and applauded in the documentary.

Undoubtedly, Jones was marked out for his exceptional capabilities, but he was also known for his flamboyant lifestyle and often turbulent personal life. The documentary portrays Jones as a complex character, constantly battling his personal demons, which were aggravated by the fame, media pressure, and evolving musical landscape of that era. Evidently, his life was riddled with drug abuse, legal troubles, and complicated romantic relations which eventually led to tensions within the band resulting in his departure.

Without giving away any spoilers, the compelling part of the movie is indeed the mysterious circumstances surrounding Jones's death at the young age of 27. The film is poised more as an investigative piece, unravelling various theories and speculations around his untimely and tragic death. Through insightful interviews, archival footage, and witness testimonies, the movie raises probing questions about the investigation into the musician's passing.

Another quite impressive part of this documentary is the wealth of archival footage which Garcia has managed to acquire. We get to witness rare concert footage, early clips of the band, TV performances, and interviews that provide a vivid picture of the era and Jones’s musical journey. It also includes extracts from his last known interview, providing an uncanny insight into the frame of mind he was at that time.

The film's narrative is embroidery of contrasting events and emotions; it’s moving, insightful, rousing, and at times, disturbing. The pacing of the film is elegantly done, smoothly transitioning between Jones's professional and personal life, keeping the viewers engaged until the end. It certainly serves as a valuable contribution in understanding the enigma that was Brian Jones, the talented musician, and the troubled individual. A definite must-watch for fans of The Rolling Stones and those passionate about rock music history.

In conclusion, Rolling Stone: Life and Death of Brian Jones is not just a celebration of Jones's contribution to music, but also a poignant reflection on his tragic life and untimely death. It's an intimate portrait, a history lesson, a tribute, and a probing investigation into one of rock music's most iconic and enigmatic figures - a lush piece of historical fabric that invites viewers to take a closer look.