Woodstock

Dudes, this is one awesome movie. I expected to find this terribly dated and a bit dull, but on the contrary, it is a fascinating glimpse at an era and a valuable record of a very special and exciting event. The music is played with such enthusiasm and raw talent. Joe Cocker in tied dyed tee-shirt, playing air guitar and belting out With A Little Help From My Friends should be vaguely ridiculous, but its not - it sounds so right and amazingly vital and fresh. The biggest surprise is just how primitive it was. We have come such a long way to the concerts and festivals of today, but there is no doubt that we have lost much of the joy and innocence of the times portrayed here. I was struck by the obvious camaraderie. One scene stands out, at the end of the first day as quiet falls over the throngs of people. I found it a little disapointing that the film does not follow the chronology in which the acts appeared - but this is a small gripe. It is, for its time, an extarordinary well made concert film. The sound is excellent and the musical numbers well balanced with background story and shots of the crowds.