Sympathy for the Devil (1968)

The late 60s, a period of counter-cultural revolution, serves as the backdrop for Godard’s cinematic exploration in "Sympathy for the Devil." Seamlessly intercutting between three primary scenes, the film embarks on a profound examination of Western culture, utilizing the pulsating rhythm of radical movements and the magnetic allure of the Rolling Stones as they rehearse and record the titular track for their iconic album "Beggar's Banquet." The film encapsulates the raw energy of Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts, Bill Wyman, Brian Jones, and Marianne Faithful. It parallels their musical rebellion with the socio-political upheaval of the time, including the Black Panthers' fight for Black power, the rise of women's liberation, the May revolt in France, and the gripping power of language. Strikingly layered with ideological reflections, the narrative intersperses commentaries on communism, fascism, a burgeoning technocratic society, and the role of the revolutionary within Western culture. Godard's unique approach to storytelling is further amplified by Eve Democracy (Wiazemsky), who uses graffiti as a visual metaphor, amalgamating organisations, corporations, and ideologies in her wake. Depicting Godard’s belief that the destruction of Western culture can only be achieved through the renouncement of intellectualisation, the film is segmented into captivating chapters: "The Stones Rolling"; "Outside Black Novel"; "Sight and Sound"; "All About Eve"; "The Heart of Occident"; "Inside Black Syntax"; and, "Under the Stones the Beach." "Sympathy for the Devil" is more than just a movie; it is a kaleidoscope of the late 1960s, a complex mosaic of rebellion, revolution, and rock 'n' roll. It's a thought-provoking examination of the mediated image and the role of news media, a chronicle of a society on the brink of monumental change, and an electric testament to the power and influence of language.

Sympathy for the Devil is a documentary movie featuring Sean Lynch.

It is possible to buy Sympathy for the Devil on Amazon Video and Apple TV.