The Kids Are Alright

The Kids Are Alright is a 1979 rockumentary film featuring the legendary English rock band, The Who. The film provides a historical document of the band's wild journey from their humble beginnings in London to international stardom. Vignettes of the band members include lead vocalist Roger Daltrey, guitarist Pete Townshend, drummer Keith Moon, and bassist John Entwistle. The film was directed by Jeff Stein, noted for his passion for the band and their music.

From the moment the lights dim, the film takes you through a thrilling rollercoaster ride of the band's career, opening with an electrifying, ear-shattering performance of 'Baba O'Riley' culled from the band's concert at the Kilburn State Gaumont in 1977. In the film, the band's music isn't just the soundtrack; it is the central focus and tells the story of The Who better than any words could.

The narrative is built using a mix of interviews, television performances, concert footage, promos, and behind-the-scenes materials. There's no voice-over and not much of a chronological order to speak of—a true representation of the band's chaotic and unpredictable spirit—leaning heavily on rich archival footages that echo the raw energy and groundbreaking music of The Who.

The interviews featured in the film provide glimpses into the minds of the distinctive band members. From Townshend's thoughtful and articulate discussion of rock music and its culture to Moon's memorable comedic antics—veering towards outright lunacy at times—each member is presented in his own distinct voice. Daltrey's charm shines through as he discusses his experiences as a part of one of the most influential bands of the era, while Entwistle candidly talks about the challenges of handling fame at a young age.

Audiences also get to witness several memorable performances by The Who in their prime. From the funny and chaotic early days in which Moon’s drum set exploded during a taping of The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour to a heart-stopping performance from the infamous Woodstock festival in 1969, The Kids Are Alright offers an unfiltered view of rock history.

Without conventional exposition, the film paints a vivid picture of the kinetic energy and sometimes destructive force The Who unleashed on stage. There's barely contained chaos in their fiercely energetic performances, which were as strong on musical prowess as they were on sheer spectacle. Daltrey and Townshend's performative rock transcendence, Moon's unhinged drumming, and Entwistle's calm stability amidst the storm bring to life The Who's music in an intense, visceral way.

While the film provides plenty of heavy, high-energy rock and roll, it's not without its moments of humor and pathos. One of the film's emotional highlights comes in the form of Keith Moon’s final live performance with the band, months before his untimely death. The film also explores the more introspective moments of their songwriting, such as Townshend’s ‘Behind Blue Eyes’, showcasing the band's versatility and depth.

The director, Jeff Stein, meticulously sourced footage from across the globe and from a wide spectrum of sources. The editing is punchy, perfectly matching the kinetic energy of the music which set a new standard for how music documentaries were made. The camera work is both intimate and grand, showcasing the electric energy of The Who's live concerts while providing close-ups that reveal the band members' personalities.

The Kids Are Alright is a tribute, not just to The Who, but to the era of rock and roll they helped define. It embraces the spirit of rebellion and the raw power of the music while offering a close-up view of the lives of four men who set the standard for rock and roll debauchery, genius, and artistic creativity. Crucially, it underlines the fact that the main assets of The Who were always its members, with their formidable talents and intense, incendiary Chemistry.

With its collection of raw performances, intimate interviews, and memorable appearances, The Kids Are Alright is a powerful tribute to one of the most iconic bands in rock history. It's a blend of exciting music, wild energy, humor, pathos, and nostalgia, making it a must-watch for any fan of The Who or classic rock.