Watch Rolling Stone: Life and Death of Brian Jones

As a biographical documentary, Rolling Stone: Life and Death of Brian Jones tells the story of the iconic musician and founding member of the Rolling Stones. Through a collage of interviews, footage, photographs, and reenactments, the movie dives deep into Jones' life, personality, and legacy, as well as the turbulent times and cultural movements that shaped his music and career.

With Terry O'Neill as the narrator, the movie unfolds chronologically, starting with Jones' childhood and musical beginnings in Cheltenham, England, in the 1950s. The documentary features interviews with some of Jones' childhood friends, bandmates, collaborators, and romantic partners, who share anecdotes, insights, and perspectives on the enigmatic and multifaceted figure of Jones. Among these are Keith Altham, Roxanne Fontana, Phil Brown, and Sam Cutler, as well as fellow musicians such as Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Marianne Faithfull.

The movie highlights Jones' talent and versatility as a musician, as well as his experimental and eclectic approach to music, which drew from blues, folk, rock, and world music. Jones was not only a skilled multi-instrumentalist, but also a visionary and a catalyst for the early sound and image of the Stones. However, the documentary also reveals the darker side of Jones' creativity, which was often overshadowed by his drug use, mental health issues, and erratic behavior, which strained his relationships with his bandmates and loved ones.

Rolling Stone: Life and Death of Brian Jones provides a nuanced and empathetic portrait of Jones, exploring his complex identity as a musician, an artist, a celebrity, a rebel, a lover, and a victim of his own demons and the cultural and societal pressures of his time. The movie touches on various topics, such as the 1960s counterculture, the rise of British rock, the tensions within the Rolling Stones, the role of women in Jones' life and music, and the mysteries and controversies surrounding his death.

The documentary also features rare and captivating footage of Jones performing live, recording in the studio, and interacting with his bandmates and fans. These scenes convey the energy, intensity, and charisma of Jones as a performer, as well as the raw and spontaneous quality of the early Stones' music, which captured the spirit of a generation and a time of social upheaval.

While Rolling Stone: Life and Death of Brian Jones is a tribute to Jones' life and work, it is also a reflection on the fragility and fleetingness of fame, success, and artistic vision. The movie highlights Jones' struggles with addiction, depression, and disillusionment, as well as his isolation and alienation from the band and the world around him. Ultimately, the documentary prompts us to contemplate the meaning and legacy of Jones' legacy, and to reconsider the myths and stereotypes that have surrounded him for decades.

In sum, Rolling Stone: Life and Death of Brian Jones is a compelling and insightful documentary that offers a new perspective on the life, music, and legacy of one of the most influential and enigmatic musicians of the 20th century. Through a combination of interviews, archival footage, and reenactments, the movie portrays the complexity and contradictions of Jones' personality and creativity, revealing the man behind the myth and the art. Whether you are a fan of the Rolling Stones, of Brian Jones, of rock music, or of cultural history, this documentary will provide you with a rich and engaging experience that will enlighten, entertain, and inspire you.

Rolling Stone: Life and Death of Brian Jones is a 2020 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 43 minutes.