The documentary film Becoming Led Zeppelin explores the extraordinary story of how four talented musicians came together to form one of the greatest rock bands of all time. Released on February 7, the film, directed by Bernard MacMahon, is unlike any other musical documentary as it presents Led Zeppelin's origins through the voices of the surviving band members – Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, and John Paul Jones – alongside archival interviews with late drummer John Bonham.
Fans of Led Zeppelin will delight in the intimate portrait painted by the band as they recount their coming together during the late 1960s. The film showcases footage from their early concerts as well as never-before-seen material, including personal artifacts brought forward by the band members themselves. What is especially intriguing is the collaborative nature of the project, as it is the first documentary sanctioned by the group, allowing for unprecedented insights and perspectives.
MacMahon expresses the significance of this project, explaining, "Zeppelin are this force... but like the American Epic acts we did they’re very mysterious. They’d never agreed to do a film, they’d never done a book telling their story." This mystery adds to the allure of the documentary, as audiences get to hear directly from the musicians themselves about the alchemy of their creative collaboration.
One of the remarkable aspects highlighted is the shockingly young ages of the members prior to forming Led Zeppelin. Each member came equipped with their own rich musical experiences. For example, Page and Jones were already established session musicians, with Page having worked with the likes of The Yardbirds, whose breakup set the stage for the formation of what would become Led Zeppelin. Plant and Bonham also had colorful backgrounds, with Plant trying his hand at multiple musical styles before the band solidified their formation.
The essence of the movie is not merely to recount the rise of Led Zeppelin but to probe the various influences and life experiences shaping each member's musical identity. The film’s narrative arc reveals how these individual histories converged. The documentary emphasizes the band's groundbreaking tilt toward blues-infused rock, broadly acknowledged by Page when he says, "The media tore Zeppelin apart - just carry on, double down, keep pushing through."
A significant element of Becoming Led Zeppelin is its presentation format, premiering in IMAX. The immersive experience of seeing Led Zeppelin perform classics like “Dazed and Confused” on enormous screens enhances the viewer's emotional connection to the band’s music. The archival footage combined with MacMahon’s direction provides powerful visual storytelling, acting as both documentation and celebration of one of rock's most iconic bands.
Some critiques of the film point out the lack of alternative perspectives, as MacMahon admits they were careful to maintain control over the narrative. A reviewer remarked, "What we’ve got here is the only kind of documentary you can make about Zep and its music: an authorized one." Experts suggest this might limit some of the harsher truths within the rock narrative tradition, yet many fans may prefer this celebratory approach to Led Zeppelin's legacy.
MacMahon and screenwriter Allison McGourty wanted to show the human side of the band. They worked tirelessly to extract insights from the band members, often recounting their artistic journeys with great detail. "It’s these kids growing up... then looking over to America with this wonderful music coming out of it," notes MacMahon, bringing to light the socio-cultural conditions under which Led Zeppelin formed and flourished.
Those hoping for tales of rock and roll excess will find none of the typically lurid narratives surrounding the group's later years. Instead, the opening scenes set the stage by encapsulating post-war London, delving deep enough to capture the band’s early struggles and triumphs. This provides emotional depth, interspersing personal histories with music of the era, each chord echoing from the drama of their formative years.
MacMahon emphasizes the importance of new generations connecting with music history. He mentions, "Our hope is... this film is about how you follow your dreams." By intertwining personal stories and musical legacies, Becoming Led Zeppelin becomes not just head-nodding nostalgia but also inspirational for budding musicians and creatives.
By retracing the steps leading to the band's genesis and subsequent fame, the filmmakers aim to demystify their status and celebrate their cultural significance. The documentary concludes with heartfelt assessments from the surviving members, reflecting on the timeless impact of their music and artistic contribution to the world.
Overall, Becoming Led Zeppelin is perfect for both die-hard fans and newcomers alike, replete with insights and emotion. By the end of the film, audiences may feel inspired to follow their own musical paths just as the founding members did, aspirants for greatness. The film not only pays homage to Led Zeppelin's monumental legacy but also serves as a reminder of the possibilities inherent within music and creativity itself.