No matter how big of a fan you are of The White Stripes, if you were at the Chicago premiere of the band’s new film “Under Great White Northern Lights,” you knew you were in for something special. From the couple who appropriately dressed as Jack and Meg White, on down to the folks in the very last row, there was a feeling in the air before the curtain rose that this film, like most White Stripes endeavors, would undoubtedly be good. This though, was great. A great look and a great insight into one of the most unique bands and unique tours of the past decade.The film takes you on board with The White Stripes as they tour Canada for the very first time. Like Jack points out, when discussing the intricacies of the tour, he wanted it done fairly and done right. To most, that could easily mean, three or four big shows in the biggest of Canadian cities. Jack and Meg thought otherwise. Their idea, was to tour each and every province of Canada, no matter how small, and play a big show in the evening and a small intimate show with no warning and no tickets at a random location in town during the day.
A tour like that sounds like a grind and the ultimate example of “walking the line” because it is. That very aspect is what director Emmett Malloy captures so well in the film. One second, it’s the up close camera angles of worn out, drained individuals and the next second it’s a panning view of two rock superstars doing what they do best. The other aspect that Malloy captures so perfectly in “Lights” is the music. Though the shots and artistic prowess throughout virtually all the live performances was nothing short of outstanding, Malloy uniquely and accurately uses the music as a common denominator for the entire project. It ties the whole thing together. From Jack and Meg picking apart details of their performances, to Jack playing along to various songs on the radio, to Jack bringing Meg to tears while singing on the piano, to the two of them creating loud, thunderous tunes fit for a band of six, you are able to realize and see firsthand that the music is the single driving force behind The White Stripes. It takes them over and almost holds them as ruthless, excited, happy, hostages.
While the film has its emotional ups and downs, it certainly leaves plenty of room for comedy as well. The highlighted daytime performances show the band, but especially Jack in all his humorous glory, entertaining fans onstage at a bowling alley, daycare center, and bus. We won’t spoil the best location. As great of an idea that these small shows were in terms of endearing yourself to your fans, you also see through Jack and Meg’s interaction with the people that they aren’t performing at random locations simply for others, but for their own zest for knowledge as well. Unlike many bands plowing through a city on tour, Jack and Meg White seem to generally care and want to integrate themselves into each location and learn about the people and towns in which they have become rock gods.
This is a film about The White Stripes, by The White Stripes. As a viewer you aren’t shown the bickering, annoyances, and day to day disagreements that may occur on tour between band mates, but by the end of the film you do get a feeling of a genuine love between the two members. It may be a love for one another or a love for the music they are creating together, but no matter which one it is, there is no sign that any of it is forced. Because of that relationship and that love, The White Stripes can and will be together for a very long time.
"Under Great White Northern Lights" is a must see for current fans, aspiring fans, and virtually all music fans in general. After all, what could make a music lover love music more than watching a group so dedicated, enthralled, and in love with what they are creating.
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