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Metallica - Some Kind Of Monster
2004
Directed by Joe Berlinger and Bruce Sinofsky, SOME KIND OF MONSTER takes a shockingly in-depth look at Metallica, one of the world's most popular heavy metal bands. The documentary begins in 2001, just after longtime bassist Jason Newsted leaves the hugely popular group. Surprised by this sudden departure, the remaining band .. Read more
| Starring | Metallica |
|---|---|
| Director | Joe Berlinger, Bruce Sinofsky |
| Genres | Documentary, Music/Musical |
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Metallica - Some Kind Of Monster
Directed by Joe Berlinger and Bruce Sinofsky, SOME KIND OF MONSTER takes a shockingly in-depth look at Metallica, one of the world's most popular heavy metal bands. The documentary begins in 2001, just after longtime bassist Jason Newsted leaves the hugely popular group. Surprised by this sudden departure, the remaining band members, particularly singer/guitarist James Hetfield and drummer Lars Ulrich, struggle to record an album without a permanent bass player, a situation that reopens many old wounds, including the loss of Newsted's predecessor, Cliff Burton, who died in a 1986 bus accident. The group even decides to hire a therapist, leading to a series of incredibly emotional confrontations and revelations. Berlinger and Sinosky's movie is unquestionably one of the most revealing rock documentaries ever made. Given almost unlimited access to tape the band during a crisis period of nearly three years, the filmmakers capture the members of Metallica both together and individually in remarkably intimate detail. Although the film features Metallica's music and includes vintage footage of the band's early days, it primarily focuses on the difficulties involved with recording the 2003 album ST. ANGER. The end result is not so much a film about Metallica, but a dramatic (and occasionally funny) portrait of a long-running band attempting to understand itself.
| Starring | Metallica |
|---|---|
| Director | Joe Berlinger, Bruce Sinofsky |
| Studio | PARAMOUNT HOME ENTERTAINMENT |
| Run time | DVD: 2 hrs 20 mins |
| Certificate | |
| Genres | Documentary, Music/Musical |
| Language | DVD: English |
| Released | DVD: 31 Jan 2005 Production year: 2004 |
| Format | DVD |
Metallica - Some Kind Of Monster (2004)
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Critics' reviews (5)
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Audience members expecting insights into the creative process behind global rock brand Metallica (20 years old, 90 million albums sold and counting) and those looking for a few Spinal Tap-style laughs at the expense of stadium-sized egos will walk away happy from this curiously affecting rock 'n' roll chronicle. Film-makers Joe Berlinger and Bruce Sinofsky first met the band while filming a documentary, Paradise Lost: the Child Murders at Robin Hood Hills, about three Metallica fans accused of “ritual” murders. But this is no fanboy tribute. The band's ridiculous behaviour is at times hilariously exposed as they struggle to record the album St Anger — unfortunately not one of their best — amid walkouts, stints in rehab, ego clashes, belly-aching and group therapy sessions. You may not come out of this liking Metallica's music, or even the band members (guitarist Kirk Hammett's claim to be “egoless” sums them up), but it's a pretty decent addition to the rockumentary tradition. Some kind of monster, indeed.
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What a ride. Filmmakers Berlinger and Sinofsky had no idea they would find a band in crisis, let alone in therapy... read more on Time Out
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Most helpful member's review
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19 out of 20 people found this review helpful
St Anger Management
Poor Lars Ulrich. His Metallica bandmate, singer and guitarist James, is in rehab and there is uncertainty over when he will return. The bassist quit over creative tensions and has a new band on the rise. Those left behind can only agree when a psychologist earning $40,000 a month is present to hold their hands. And fans hate poor multi-multi-millionaire drummer Lars after he takes on free downloading. If it couldn't get any worse, his own dad thinks the band's new material just doesn't 'cut it'. Welcome to the unintentionally hilarious fly on the wall account of two years in the life of the most successful heavy rock band on earth. Fast forward through the music and enjoy the drama. A drum solo of honour goes to Metallica for having the guts to allow this real life Spinal Tap film's release but the laughs are largely on them as their professional lives threaten to explode. Not just for fans.
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Most recent members' review
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1 out of 1 person found this review helpful
This Rocks!
Even if you are not a rock fan you will love this. Tragedy, pathos, twisted irony, and the hardest rocking family men on the planet. From the garage to the gated community, these boys jerk the laughter and tears in equal measure. Love them, leave them, or make them a delicious bed time beverage- the decision is yours. But make it a hot chocolate will ya, or the Betty Ford clinic will bite your ass. (The extras are good too!)
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News and features
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The Rocker
- 13 Oct 2008
Rock n roll lends itself to comedy. Anything that inspires grown men to act like kids (or half grown men for that matter) is already on that road. We’ve all seen This is Spinal Tap, but there are any number of its kind, from documentaries like Metallica: Some Kind of Monster and Anvil (playing at the London Film Festival this month) to sly coming of age comedies like Almost Famous to tongue in cheek romps like School of Rock and Still Crazy. Fish (Rainn Wilson) is like a character out of, Read more
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Directed by Joe Berlinger and Bruce Sinofsky, SOME KIND OF MONSTER takes a shockingly in-depth look at Metallica, one of the world's most popular heavy metal bands. The documentary begins in 2001, ... -