Shining a Light with The Stones and Scorsese

Martin Scorsese's foray into the music world shouldn't come as a shock to moviegoers since the revered filmmaker directed Michael Jackson's "Bad" video back in 1987 and executive produced the Eric Clapton TV special "Nothing But the Blues" in 1995. Although Scorsese is one of the most prolific directors of our time, it's clear he also has a deep passion for music. After directing what's now become one of the most definitive documentaries on the life of Bob Dylan in No Direction Home, fans were eager and curious to see what Martin Scorsese would do with The Rolling Stones in Shine a Light, an intimate documentary that explores the legendary band via two shows at New York City's Beacon Theatre.

A couple of days ago, journalists from across the planet gathered at the New York Palace Hotel for the much anticipated press conference for Shine a Light where Scorsese and The Rolling Stones took a seat at the head table to talk to the press (which The Stones almost never do these days. And, really, why should they at this stage?) about the film and their experiences working together.

As chatty as Mick, Keith, and Martin were, drummer Charlie Watts and guitarist Ron Wood were almost silent for the festivities. Still, for many of the press in attendance, it was a once in a lifetime gig.

Martin Scorsese on the importance of making the film in New York at a small venue:

"The importance of making the film in a smaller venue, for me, I contemplated. We discussed doing it in a bigger arena and I looked into that. Actually, while I was doing it, while I was trying to prepare for that, I began to realize - I think I’m better suited to try to capture the group on stage on a smaller stage. More for the intimacy of the group and the way they play together, the way you see the band work together and work each song. I found that to be interesting and more than interesting. It’s just a compulsion of mine. I love to be able to see that and have that be able to cut from one image to the other, movement, that sort of thing, but really about the intimacy of the group and how they work together."

Mick Jagger on the audience during the filming of Shine a Light:

"The audience was a good audience because I think they really got into the spirit of making the movie as well as enjoying being an audience for the band. They were a great audience for the band. But I think, also, a great audience for the movie, because I think they all realized they were in it."

Keith Richards on how special the night at The Beacon Theatre was:

"The Beacon Theatre is special for some reason, anyway. I mean it wraps your arms, especially if you can play there for more than one night. The room sort of wraps its arms around ya, you know? And every night gets warmer and it’s a great feeling room. And also this band, you know, didn’t start off in stadiums."

Jagger on what keeps The Stones going:

"No gym, no vitamins. I think that day, just do it. Just get out there. When you get very pressurized in these situations, though, I always find when there’s a movie shoot that you have to really come up to the plate. And fortunately we had two nights of this.

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