Reviewed by Doug Cooper
Stars Jack White, Meg White | UK cert U
Runtime 90 minutes | Directed by Emmett Malloy
If you're a fan of The White Stripes then you'll enjoy this documentary covering their 2007 tour of Canada. It features them performing their songs in an array of different venues across the country - not just concert halls but
also bowling alleys, buses, boats, galleries and even an old people's home.
We also see plenty of black and white footage of them on the road too, travelling in cars along bumpy roads, meeting bigwigs from the various towns they visit, and jamming in waiting rooms prior to going onstage. They're accompanied by their trusty roadies, smartly dressed guys in suits and hats looking like characters out of Reservoir Dogs.
The variety of venues is appealing and makes a nice change from the standard concert documentary, the most enjoyable moment being a visit to a group of Inuit elders who applaud Jack's rendition of a Blind Willie McTell song and then treat the two musicians to a vintage accordion piece with one of the elders contributing a little dance.
Jack White does all the talking when they're being interviewed while shy Meg White's utterances are usually subtitled as she speaks so quietly. They don't take themselves too seriously thankfully, even though they're not penetrating or articulate in their insights.
All of this is fine if you're a devotee of the top selling music act. But if you're not steer clear. I'm not familiar with their oeuvre and hearing them play, I felt as if I was being aurally raped, Jack's caterwauling painful to the ears. Competently directed though.