Lambert & Stamp

This film will draw you in and touch your heart as it exposes what it means to live your dreams. A beautiful exploration of the visions and fires that brought the legendary band, The Who into being. Two young men from different beginnings find a common vision to create and break free from their origins. The charming and bold duo, Chris Stamp and Kit Lambert, remind us what it is to be young and believe in no limits. Genius and madness mix as six incredible talents come together and inspire generations through the universal language of music. In a brave undertaking, director James D. Cooper elicits poignant and fascinating interviews from those who remember this incredible journey. His connection and understanding of these men keeps us engaged and wanting more. It is a universal story of passion and frailty. The lyrical editing and incredible soundtrack complete the picture leaving the audience satisfied and hungering at the same time. A film that will stay with you long after you leave the theatre.

The fact that my wife sat with me and watched this documentary is a bit of a shock. After all, she hates music like the stuff sung by The Who and couldn't relate to "Lambert & Stamp" in any discernible way. Yet, it did pique her interest and it's a film that may appeal to you...be you a Who fan or not.

The film is about two men who helped to create The Who, created their personas and fostered Pete Townsend's songwriting abilities. They managed the band for about a decade--from total obscurity to superstardom. It also is about the group's falling out and eventually firing these men they loved and once respected. See the film and see why.

Unfortunately, while the film is quite good, many of the particulars involved are dead...several through drug abuse. Fortunately, they did have some footage of Stamp before his recent death as well as the participation of Roger Daltry, Pete Townsend and a few others. All in all, it makes for an interesting and diverting film.

In comparisons to such documentaries about musical artist like Nas, Time is illmatic and I Can't stand loosing you, which is about the Police, I found this movie uninspiring. The inspiring ones usually make me what to listen to their music all day long, and I have the Who's records on my iPhone, so I was ready. This doc did not do this for me.

In all fairness, the film was more about Two filmmakers names Kit Lambert and Chris Tramp who began managing the Who as a way to make a documentary of the band. Yet, I'm still left with the same unspring feeling as I'm a huge fan of films and the idea that the Who was practically created as a film project seem right up my alley.

The documentary is too self-serving. I know that seems a little Ironic to say, but I've seen docs that praise Keith Moon as a legendary Drummer and barely mentions John Entwistle (how unfortunate to be a great musician who got to live to old age). Pete Townsend attempted to tell us how awesome John was to the band, but it wasn't enough, and this goes for anyone vital to the band (like Keith) who is not alive to tell their own story (In defense the people getting interviewed seem unapologetic about their own self- worth). It's a little uneven.

So while well crafted, Lambert and Stamp seems to show me that one of the most interesting bands in the world has a very uninteresting origin story. I just prefer to listen to the music.

The British Navy ruled the waves for hundreds of years. The British also ruled the waves in the 60s, the airwaves. This doc gives you insight into the incredible management team of Kit Lambert and Christopher Stamp. I think any one studying management or leadership would benefit from all the insights presented in the film.

Kit Lambert came from an aristocratic background; private schools, Oxford, British Army and adventure trek up the Amazon (this could be a movie all by itself). Christopher Stamp from a rough working background, his dad was a tugboat captain. The family survived the Blitz and his brother Terence began a film career in 1962, so the future looked promising. He met Kit at the Shepperton Film Studios, where they were both working on film projects. You can almost feel how the pair worked from various clips in the film. Chris was the charismatic charmer and Kit won the trust of the artists and helped shape a vision. They planned their project with the Who with a multimedia approach, years ahead of their time.

I think the two most revealing moments in the doc were the two interviews with the German and French crews. Kit described his total philosophy in impeccable German and French, no mean feat in itself. Pete Townsend and Roger Daltry also give invaluable insight into the formation and development of the WHO. I remember seeing the WHO in Montreal around 1967 at the Forum. It was a sensational show, and yes Pete put his guitar through the amp! Cool!

Such a wonderful documentary film which totally captivated me from start to finish. The most fascinating story behind the Who is that of Chris Stamp & Kit Lambert. Just brilliant who knew what went on behind the scenes in the discovery, management and success of THE WHO BAND! To see all the footage from the late 1960's Mod explosion, the dynamics and energy from Chris, Kit and the rock' n roll band was all so emotionally moving. You walk away experiencing the evolution of a band feeling their vision, passion, determination and hard work. I can't wait to see it again and I recommend it to all! A film not to miss! Keep your eye out it will be coming to a theater near you!