Keith Richards: Under the Influence

The title does seem to make reference to Richards' infamous excesses, but the documentary doesn't really go into that at all. Have just heard so much about Keith Richards and his drugs, so kinda wanted some context on why he has that reputation, but oh well.

It is a fairly nice watch. I think if you're a fan you'd probably love it, but I'm guessing most big fans of Richards will have already watched it. It's paced leisurely, and is kind of just Richards talking/rambling about his past, present, and his love for music.

You could do better as far as music documentaries go, but you could also do a lot worse.

The drunk chuckle of Keith Richards makes me smile. This wasn't so much a documentary about Keith, but more about his music influences. If you're a guitarist or big fan of the blues, then you'll probably love this. If not, then you may find it a bit underwhelming as I did in parts.

The first half was a bit like hanging around a music store as guitarists talked about their instruments and recording techniques. I did enjoy hearing how 'Street Fighting Man' came about in the studio though.

The sheer scope of different genres and musical influences on Keith was impressive, as was his sheer love for music and rock n roll itself. The reggae and country segments were particularly interesting - as for me, the Stones were my stepping stone into the whole country genre.

Have you ever wanted to see Keith Richards and Chuck Berry argue? Well this is your chance. I also had no idea about Keith's proficiency on a piano - was great to see him playing!

By the end, you feel like you've been hanging out with Keith and he starts to feel like a good friend. A brief touching moment on family and love was a nice way to wrap things up.

If you've always just thought of Keith as a pirate or drunkard, then watch this to get a better understanding of the man and how gifted a musician he is - we need to appreciate these music legends while they're still around!

The legendary Keith Richards reveals the artists, individuals and music that influenced his music.

Interesting documentary, on a very interesting subject. Keith Richards is one of the most influential and successful artists in music history and his views on music are generally worth listening to. The documentary does a reasonable job of showing what and who influenced him, making him the musical genius and megastar he has become.

Some good clips from the influential artists, plus Rolling Stones clips and Keith Richards solo clips, including behind-the-scenes footage from him working on his latest album.

However, the documentary lacks focus, jumping around and not really making too much of a point in the end. In a way this adds charm to proceedings, as this fits in with the laid-backness of Richards's persona. It would still be nice to have some degree of order though...

In addition, as you would imagine of someone of Keith Richards's ilk, his influences are broad and there is much ground to cover. This leaves not much in the way of depth, e.g. reggae gets covered in about 5 minutes and even Chuck Berry, probably the greatest influence on Richards, is only highlighted through the anniversary concert Richards appeared at.

A longer, more detailed, documentary would have been great.

Keith Richards: Under the Influence (2015)

*** (out of 4)

This Netflix documentary has Keith Richards talking about a variety of subjects while touring with The Rolling Stones on their 2015 tour as well as preparing his solo album Crosseyed Heart.

If you're a fan of Richards or the Stones then you're obviously going to want to check this film out as there's some great interview footage as well as some behind-the-scenes footage from the recent tour. The biggest flaw with this film is that it's rather uneven and I'd argue that 83 minutes isn't nearly enough time to fully get into the mind of Richards. Part of the film is a promo piece for the new album as Richards talks about what made him get back into the studio with a solo album and he also talks about his influences on the album. Whenever the new album isn't being discussed we get the legends talking about his influences, other rebels of rock music, country music, the blues and what it was like being chewed out by Chuck Berry.

Again, this is a good and entertaining film but at the same time you can't help but think there's so much more to know about Richards and there's just not enough time here to capture everything. Still, it was great fun getting to see him in the studio recording the new tracks and there's no question that he always manages to have something interesting to say.

An incredibly short-sighted & narrow "documentary" about Keith richards musical beginnings and life.

But the documentary doesn't touch on any of his personal life, ever. At all. For the entire thing.

I just don't know why with that access you would make something so boring & pale about one of the most colorful people in rock history.

The Director Morgan Neville has a history of this kind of fluffy autobiographical film making and he should consider quitting.