METALLICA

Metallica: Through The Never; A Review With Carefully Annotated Spoilers So You Can Read It Even If You Haven't Watched The Film.

The title was so catchy I shortened it to the first word (without the colon) for the post title.

But yes, I'm going to review the film with carefully highlighted spoilers so that those who haven't seen it can read this. I hate spoilers more than anything, the last thing I'd want to do is hurt someone in the same way.


Before I even go into Through The Never let's think back to earlier Metallica films. And by films I'm not even going to go into the making of the Black Album (because I haven't seen it) I'm just going to write about Some Kind Of Monster, if you haven't seen it, do.

Side Note: I am sat here in the Conservatorium Van Amsterdam, enjoying the fairly priced tea whilst writing this blog post and I kid you not; there is a man at the table next to me with a white billowing shirt on, half unbuttoned, playing the lute to a gaggle of females. I know there's a classical department here but this is a whole new level. I'd take a picture to share with you all but I've not got a decent camera, if you want one, please send me a DSLR. Maybe the Canon EOS 50d. Then you'll have your photo, plus or minus a video.

Oh and on another side note. Before I get too far into this review (when it begins) I made a video of Hayden and I's time so far in Amsterdam. The video is titled 'Amsterdam'.

Coming soon: Dirk's reaction video.






Right here:

Also, I have put in my first contribution to the Heavy Metal Buffet from Amsterdam on the latest episode. Have a listen, the episode is hilarious as well. And of course some great metal:






Now to METALLICA: THROUGH THE NEVER

I was so excited to see this film. I was giddy, there were butterflies in my stomach (partially due to me eating oysters accidentally, so allergic reactions too were flurrying).

The trailer was fantastic and if you haven't seen it, or heard about the film, at least watch this before reading the rest of this post:

So yes the basic backbone of the film is constructed of two columns. Column one: The most awesome Metallica concert you could ever imagine, amazing stage, props and set list. Column two: a young roadie is sent out to pick up a package for the band and on his journey, to retrieve said package (that he's not allowed to look inside of), he finds the world outside the venue is now in an apocalyptic state. The two columns intertwine and often mirror each other with amazing visual results.


The first column: The Metallica Concert

Holy shit it is awesome.

I dream of going to a Metallica gig like that in the future. They actually did a run of eight real gigs, all sold out; and out of those they took the live performance footage and made it into Through The Never. (I'd like to mention now that within the story line the concert is described as a one off show). I just hope they will go on tour with that show now, I would pay a lot to see it. A lot more than $12,000,000 for this painting:

(If I actually had the money.. and then more to spare after paying all that for a ticket to one concert.)


That, by the way, is a painting from Lars' art collection, not the one from Some Kind Of Monster, a latter one, as he says, he is always buying and selling art "Because, um, you can't, um, own art."

Don't take Lars' or my words on it. Check out this blog, if you want to see dedication click the link to this blog that writes solely on Lars' art collection, I haven't worked out yet whether it's serious:

http://larsulrichscollection.blogspot.nl/



Sorry for the distraction.



                      And back to
                      Through The
                      Never:









Oh man, the audience that got to go to the live show for the recording of this film are some of the luckiest people. The stage itself  and the props were mind blowing. When watching it you forgot you were watching a movie, with an added story line, as you were so easily immersed in the concert. Also as the concert was performed specifically to be filmed you got to see the greatest close ups in amazing focus, never mind the fact that the whole movie was made specifically for Imax's so the visuals and 3D was stunning.

At one point I thought one of the audience members in the cinema was throwing the horns. Didn't even realise at first it was within the film.

-Although I wouldn't have been too surprised if it was an audience member, the crowd was generally, peacefully headbanging to themselves throughout.


The stage show though was amazing, and their performances were fantastic. Also, after watching that I'll be so excited to see them live again, I hope I can, as I will have a better understanding of what it's like close up from seeing the film. They had some good cameramen. I've read arguments elsewhere online that the camera work was shoddy and often not focused on anything in particular, I'd have to disagree. They captured the atmosphere perfectly, which is more than just getting the nice focus shots and filming every second of the solo from multiple angles. It's about getting those wider shots, the ones that have little going in, the areas your eyes move to when your watching a live show, greedily trying to absorb the whole stage and venue in. Also everyone in the band looked to be properly enjoying themselves, which I'm not surprised anyway, the venue was full and the fans sing along throughout. And then a few more singing along in the cinema.

Also, I've trawled through so many comments on "blackheads" "saliva" and more. Why do people criticise that like it's a bad thing. It's not metal when it tries to airbrush it and make it pretty. Musicians spit on stage. They filmed real concerts with real performances. You should embrace all the aspects of that. Not complain when the realness of it offends you.


To the second column: The story of the Roadie.

Dane Dehaan plays Trip, one of the roadies for the band who is sent out on an errand during the show. Which is a shame because he is obviously one of Metallica's greatest fans. Dehaan is a great actor, I'd already seen him before in A Place Beyond The Pines and, one of the greatest found footage films to date Chronicle (go see it).

By the way the spoilers are highlighted so just scroll down to the plain old black on white and you'll be fine.

BEGINNING OF SPOILERS:

Ok, so the film's premise is two story lines, and I can talk about the stage show in general quite a lot without revealing spoilers, however I think Trip's journey, is one that those who haven't seen the film yet, should know little about.

He takes a pill, drives the van past a red light, subsequently is crashed into, then carries on his errand by foot, and soon walks into a confrontation between rioters and police. This is only the beginning of the nightmare, before things start to become even more inexplicable and by that I mean the horseman... and I suppose the puppet from the truck.

So the horseman is awesome, he is cool and mean and a total ass. Who's side is he on? Who's side is anyone on in this world? It's the apocalypse and it teaches us that during a Metallica concert anything, anything, could be going on outside but as long as they don't teeter into Lulu everything. is. fine.

I suppose, rather than dissect in any great detail the story that unfolds for the roadie, I ended up wondering about what is real and what is not? Before he even leaves the venue he pops a pill. Call me ignorant but I didn't know what that was, and I suppose the film makers (hiyi Metallica) don't want you to know either, the same way I suppose they don't want you to know what's in that bag. Which is an over used cliche. Tarantino nailed it Pulp Fiction, why pick this up again? Especially when Trip finally does get the bag and looks into it he looks completely horrified by it's contents. Which makes Metallica seem almost seedy. Then I think - is this the band's greatest joke in the film? They want to have that metal edge, they could be capable of all evil and it could be in that bag, but you will never know. I don't know Metallica. Answer me please.

But yeah, the roadie, the possible trip, the possible concussion, the possibility that everything that happened is in fact real. Whatever it was it all ended when he got Mjölnir's hammer and went Thor-style bad ass all over that evil rider. Thanks Trip and thanks voodoo puppet that I got overly emotionally attached to during the film.

I have a feeling perhaps we're not meant to fully understand Trip's story line.



END OF SPOILERS.

Look at Lars' approval.

So this was my review on Metallica: Through The Never and my summary is:

Go watch Metallica: Through The Never, even if you aren't a Metallica fan. It is, in essence, a Metallica concert with glimpses of another story line mirroring the songs. However, if you are not a fan, do not let that put you off. Metallica have done something no band has done to date; they have made an amazing piece of cinema of the most awesome gig. They have successfully captured themselves in a stunning film that will remain for all time. I thoroughly enjoyed this film and will buy it as soon as it's on DVD to watch again. Even without the whole Imax experience (which they nailed). I am pleased that Metallica found a new way in which to reach people with music and have the balls to have tried something completely different. Although I would have enjoyed more music from Death Magnetic, one song was not enough.

Plus the best part of the entire film is when Trip comes into contact with each band member at the very start. Metallica. Gold. (Ecstasy of).


To sum it up in an even shorter fashion, Hayden Hook, ladies and gentlemen:

"What I liked about it was that no matter how many concerts you watch you'll never see one in such detail... It was like a cinematic concert"

He says more:

"Metallica are definitely the first band to actually film a full concert in such a cinematic way. The film is the concert and a story. You're never going to get that view point of the band on stage from just a tour DVD."

Thank you Hayden. And thank you for reading this blog post. I hope you go out and see Metallica: Through The Never, and if you have already, feel free to discuss further any ideas from this blog. 



And finally an image proving James Hetfield is indeed the Master:

Thanks to:
http://www.metalhammer.co.uk 
http://larsulrichscollection.blogspot.nl/ 
http://deanoworldtravels.files.wordpress.com 
www.joblo.com 
http://www.blabbermouth.net 

50 Shades isn't as rude as initially thought.. take out all the times he "cocked his head to one side" and there's generally 78% less cock.

That's right, I've been reading 50 Shades of Gray. There goes all my intelligence.

It's wild. If I had found that book in a shop and just bought it on a whim, I wouldn't admit in public, to a friend, or on the blog, that I was reading it. However, with the insane popularity this book has amassed it is perfectly acceptable to announce to your fellow co workers in the office that you are reading this filthy, filthy book. And do you know why it's so filthy? The absolutely horrendous writing. WHY SO MANY ELLIPSES? WHY?

If I read any of the following:
"holy cow"
"holy shit"
"holy moses"
"he cocked his head"
"pushed me over the edge"
"inner goddess"
any more, I will just take it, because I can't expect any better, and that's what Ana would do, she just can't stop herself taking it.

Alsooo is it just me or is this book embarrassingly anti-feminist? Just me? I don't know, have some back bone Ana and keep off of Grey's one for a second. She manages to withhold once (that I've read so far) and she goes home and cries about it. Woman up Miss Steele. And if you're going to cry about not getting any, take it, and take it in your stride.

Stride of pride.


And now I have to apologise, for being a hypocrite. I rarely spell check this blog, look over the grammar or even do a simple sense check. I used to say it was part of the blog's charm. I write a post in one sitting then post it, coherent thoughts and all that. However since reading 50 Shades. (I found a spelling mistake in it last night) I've realised how annoying it is when someone is sloppy with their writing, I'll try to do better.

I don't want to read the trilogy, I really don't, I can't wait to finish this first book and get back into Tolkien again, yeah LOTR!

Frodo and Bilbo. Love you Bagginses.

But, on another note, good on you woman for making a ridiculous fortune from this book. Donate at least a proportionate chunk of it to a literacy foundation. Again, though I shouldn't ridicule, I started this blog partly to keep me writing since graduating University, and without any Professor to mark it, or an English version of Word to spell check, it's turned into a overly colloquial flood of words inter-spliced with 'awesome' at least once a blog. But there you go.

Recently I have been: winning a fishing competition at the Skeld Regatta, recording more radio show and some Heavy Metal Buffet Podcast, filming for Maddrim, reading 50 Shades, editing for Maddrim, went to the Voe Show, swimming in the sea a few times and perfecting my Trujillo impersonation.

This photo is property of my sister. Her name is Floortje Robertson.

However this blog was a backwards one, as I'm ending it with my 'what I've been up to' oh no wait. Not entirely backwards. Here comes the goodbye:

Evol fo stol
Neilojram xxxx


P.S You listened to the new podcast yet? 88 minutes in. Yeah, yeah, that's me interviewing BLACK SABBATH. Reggahs ananab.

http://soundcloud.com/heavymetalbuffet/heavy-metal-buffet-episode-4

Last time I went to the Voe Show, we were dressed like this.

I was just doing a Robert Trujillo impersonation, then Mam walked in and offered me cough medicine.

Hiyi
How’re you?
That’s fantastic.
I’ve been pretty well too.

Recently I have been: to see Judas Priest on their last date of the Epitaph tour, to Download Music Festival, starting up a weekly radio show, made a film that is currently touring Britain, working as a camera assistant for a new drama, won a daft raft race and my cat died.

Today's blog has been written whilst listening to: http://soundcloud.com/heavymetalbuffet/heavy-metal-buffet-episode-2

Listen and read, we may just share the same experience.
Heavy Metal Buffet is made by my brother Dirk and friend Jamie.

On the subject of online radio, on Friday evenings, from 6pm till 9pm you can tune into Joe, then myself and finally Dirk and Jamie (but NOT related to Heavy Metal Buffet show) for some suitable, family friendly and tuneful radio.

http://www.shetland.org/puffincam/index.php?file=stream2

(Click the link at five to six on Friday)

We're waiting for you.

Right, Jamie and Dirk are way too distracting to listen to while writing so I've put on a bit of Master of Puppets by METALLICA. Holy shit they were awesome at Doonlod, we got up on the Vodaphone veiwing platform, which, although we were a bit away, offered us an amazing view of the entire stage, the snake pit and the crowd. Man it was impressive to see the crowd watching METLICA. The next day when Sabbath came on to finish the festival I swear the crowd was even bigger, the entire festival seemed to turn up to watch Sabbath, and it was awesome. They played songs from the first eight albums. I was wondering if they'd play any DIO but they stuck to all the early Ozzy, which, although there were some DIO songs I would have loved to hear live it was fitting. And it was amazing to see Iommi play, his hands created the sound of metal we love so much today and even in his illness he came on and gave the most awesome performance. I'll always hold the memories of seeing Sabbath, although deeply under the influence of freaking Anthrax's whisky at the time, as one of the highlights of my life. Yeah that's right I got Anthrax's whisky, met them and Megadeth and the lovely Kobra Paige backstage, best weekend ever.


Moving on.


Not sure if you've heard about the Hansel of Film, I'm going to explain it now without double checking it's actual description on t'site. It's a relay of homemade films from the length and breadth of Britain touring around the isles in honour of the olympics. At each location films are shown from that location, from the previous location and then there are out Shetland films in the mix. 'Hansel' is Shetland for gift. SO ENJOY.

Actually, the Culture Show is doing a whole piece on Hansel of Film on Wednesday, check this oot:

http://hansel2012.org/blog/hansel-film-be-featured-bbc%E2%80%99s-%E2%80%98culture-show%E2%80%99

 Maddrim made a few of the films there, even though I wasn't involved in Maddrim when some of those earlier entries were made, yeah, you're still welcome. Dirk and I really wanted to make a film, we came up with an idea, wrote a rough script down and set to make it on a Sunday (I forget which) pretty close to the deadline when we had all the equipment. But it pissed it down on the day and it was imperitive that we film the film outside and we didn't wanna get rained on. The filming was pretty much cancelled, then, at 15.30 Dirk was all like:

"Let's make a film about kids who like Star Wars, yeah, they could like it so much it's become their whole world, they've even created almost their own Star Wars universe for themselves"

We had two scripted scenes and the rest was all adlibbed. I paste the link here now for you to enjoy.

It's called Punch It Chewie, and none of us are sure if that line is actually said in the film, and neither is Han called 'Hans', but there you go.

What a nice guest appearance from our now dead cat.


Anyway, I've been thinking alot about Trujillo lately, I've not got him out of my head since I first watched 'Some Kind Of Monster', pretty much one of the best films of all time, so he's been in my head for a while, he's a cutie. He's also very good at doing the crab while he plays his bass. There's, I believe, a reason for this, and I'm not sure it while transpire in the same joke form that it has developed over time for myself and others who have created the joke. I'm just going to tell you, Trujillo man is a creature from the sea. That is not a put down, not in the slightest, alot of awesome creatures come from the sea, my Ipod for one. (SEE ALL THE REFERENCES FROM ALL THOSE PREVIOUS BLOG POSTS EVER) It is however, a justified reasoning. What you don't see when they're auditioning bass players for Metlica, is in an earlier scene when we join Kirk on a surfboard, he discovers Trujillo nipping at his toes beneath the briny waves. Hammet the kind hearted 'hey-guys-instead-of-thrashing-it-out-on-each-other-how-about-going-into-the-studio-and-thrashing-it-out-on-our-instruments' lead guitarist for Metlica brougth Trujillo back to the studio, albeit, as a new logo for St. Anger. We all remember how Hammet commented "Needs more spiders" when looking at the album artwork. By bringing this multi limbed crustacean into the studio, he was filling a certain, ju-nay-say-quah, (Read it and take it), it was only after Trujillo's freak out in his new, arid enviornment, which created more destruction then when Hetfield slammed the studio door, twice, they gave him one of Newstead's old basses to nip at. AND THUS. THE NEW BASSIST FOR METALLICA WAS FOUND.


And Bob Rock did cry.

Then they hired Rick Rubin as the producer for Death Magnetic.

Then Dave Grohl personally wrote into Metal Hammer praising Death Magnetic.

And The Unforgiven III made it.

And Bob Rock did cry again.

It's all cool, he's totes happy now the band is touring with the Black Album again. Back in his original glory.


Where was I?



Yeah Trujillo is a lobster or crab, I think everyone says crab but I say lobster, because I love Trujillo and I love lobsters.

Peace out . x

 

 

Read more: (because it's good for your enzymes) http://marjoleinrobertson.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/kom-binnen.html

 

http://marjoleinrobertson.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/picture-to-word-ratio-is-good-in-this.html