The Rolling Stones: Rock And Roll Circus

The Rolling Stones: Rock And Roll Circus is an extraordinary rock music documentary that provides a captivating portal into the magical world of late 60's rock n roll culture. Starring Ian Anderson, Glenn Cornick, and Clive Bunker from the British rock band Jethro Tull, it provides an unparalleled look into a transitional time for music, culture, and style where early progressive rock was starting to gain momentum.

The film primarily focuses on The Rolling Stones as they host and perform in one historical rock-n-roll event in a BBC television studio in London in 1968. However, the movie also features performances from other various prominent rock artists and bands of that era, giving a holistic view of the dynamic and innovative music scene of the time.

At the film's center are The Rolling Stones, but it is the interplay with the presented guest list that enriches the movie. Alongside Jethro Tull’s Ian Anderson, Glenn Cornick, and Clive Bunker who give chilling performances, the circus performers include high-caliber artists such as The Who, Marianne Faithfull, and John Lennon, in a special one-time appearance alongside Yoko Ono as part of a supergroup called The Dirty Mac.

Ian Anderson, Glenn Cornick, and Clive Bunker from Jethro Tull perform a set that reinforces their reputation as one of the foremost progressive rock bands. The band’s performance is full of energy, featuring Anderson’s prominent and unique flute playing that became Jethro Tull’s trademark.

Directed by Michael Lindsay-Hogg, the concept of Rock And Roll Circus was to epitomize the carnival atmosphere in the setting of a genuine big-top. The Rolling Stones take the lead, introducing acts and performing a few of their songs. However, it's the overall milieu of the circus, full with clowns, acrobats, and fire-eaters, integrated with live musical performances that sets the joyous and vibrant tone of the movie.

The remarkable performances from the bands combined with the psychedelic aura and the colorful setting of the rock and roll circus create a surreal experience. They truthfully capture the essence of a time when rock music was rapidly evolving and boundaries were being pushed every day.

Furthermore, Rock And Roll Circus provides a unique behind-the-scenes glimpse at the creation, collaboration, and improvisation during the late 60s. The camaraderie between such legendary figures simply adds to the legacy of the film. The viewers not only get to enjoy the musical duels but also get a rare sneak peek into the relationships between these rock icons.

Additional allure of the movie comes from the artful direction, focused not just presenting the performances, but also strategically capturing moments that lend a fly-on-the-wall view of the musicians. Lindsay-Hogg showcases not only the performances but the preparation and interaction between the artists, adding a personal touch and multi-layered depth to the film.

The Rolling Stones: Rock And Roll Circus perfectly encapsulates the era. Despite initial conceived as a way to promote the then-new album "Beggars Banquet", the event became a decisive and compelling piece of rock history. From the Rolling Stones to The Who and Jethro Tull, every band in the film delivers performances that are memorable and brimming with energy, showcasing their iconic styles.

The movie serves as an invaluable snapshot of a moment in rock 'n roll history, showing the passion and intensity of the musicians through a spectacle of inventive performances. It's a must-watch for music lovers interested in exploring the vibrant and influential rock scene of the late 1960s.

The Rolling Stones: Rock And Roll Circus is a true treasure for fans of rock music, offering viewers a once-in-a-lifetime event. Infused with raw passion and marked by electrifying performances, this film is not only a testament to the talent of these artists but the era that crafted them. This is a fascinating exploration of an eclectic assembly of legendary talent at the height of 1960s rock music phenomenon in a circus atmosphere, that will surely captivate and indulge the senses of music fanatics and cinephiles alike.