Metallica - Some Kind Of Monster (2004)

With voyeuristic intensity, Metallica: Some Kind of Monster explores the intricate connections that are created, nurtured, and challenged between members of a long-lasting band. That this intimate odyssey of group therapy and self-discovery involves Metallica--the most successful heavy metal group of all time--is just one reason this film is so uniquely fascinating. Having proven their documentary skills with Brother's Keeper and Paradise Lost (which included Metallica in its soundtrack), filmmakers Joe Berlinger and Bruce Sinofsky spent two years with Metallica as the band survived the defection of long-time bassist Jason Newsted, struggled to record St. Anger, and recruited $40,000-per-month "performance enhancement coach" Phil Towle to counsel members James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, and Kirk Hammett as they confronted alcoholism, creative obstacles, and themselves in an effort to determine the viability of Metallica's future. With sincere hope, honest discussion, and the hiring of new bassist Robert Trujillo, Metallica battle their personal and professional demons, showing the vulnerable side of a business that thrives on raging testosterone. The effort pays off for everyone involved, especially the fans: Like the ultimate backstage pass, Some Kind of Monster is a healing journey into the hard-beating heart of rock & roll. --Jeff Shannon

The bonus features included in this two-disc set are well worth the time and attention of any fan of Metallica or filmmakers Sinofsky/Berlinger. It contains 40 additional scenes, and while the film itself doesn't suffer for their absence, there are interesting perspectives to be gained. Standouts include James reminiscing about his difficult childhood, a Hawaiian-themed birthday party for Kirk, and a look at Lars's childhood haunts in Copenhagen. There are also scenes of the band promoting the film at various festivals, a music video (mostly comprised of footage from the movie), two trailers, post-film interviews with Metallica, and a thorough directors' commentary describing the hurdles this movie jumped on its way to the big screen. The band commentary track is a touch slow to get cooking, but the boys have already revealed so much that one can hardly blame them for having little left to say. --Leah Weathersby

Réalisé par Joe Berlinger et Bruce Sinofsky, Metallica : une espèce de monstre, est un documentaire musical aussi exceptionnel qu’unique sur Metallica, l’un des groupes de heavy metal les plus populaires de tous les temps. D’autant plus exceptionnel qu’il est présenté dans un double DVD bourré de scènes inédites et d’entrevues exclusives.

Ayant vendu près de 90 millions d’albums depuis 1981 et rempli les plus grands stades dans les années 90, Metallica n’a plus vraiment à prouver sa force. Et pourtant, l’accouchement de leur douzième album en 2003 fut loin d’être sans douleur.

Évoquant avec beaucoup d’intelligence les tensions existant entre les membres du groupe, notamment depuis le départ de leur dernier bassiste, leurs angoisses artistiques et personnelles et leur baisse de popularité depuis la poursuite qu’ils engagèrent contre Napster, Metallica : une espèce de monstre nous plonge directement dans l’intimité d’un groupe devenu vulnérable au point d’engager un psycho-thérapeute. Bien loin des moments choisis humoristiques de la vie de la famille Osborne, il aborde de façon extrêmement documentée tous les aspects de la vie du groupe, en n’oubliant jamais de poser un regard critique sur leur démarche. Dynamique et surprenant, ce film qui dément tous nos a priori réussit tout simplement à nous montrer que derrière cette machine bien huilée qu’est devenue Metallica se cachent des êtres humains en proie aux doutes et aux crises. Passionnant. – Helen Faradji.

Featuring the most successful heavy metal band of all time, METALLICA: SOME KIND OF MONSTER offers a revealing and exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the legendary band as they confront personal demons and their relationships with each other while recording their Grammy-winning album, St. Anger.