THE ROLLING STONES OPEN BERLIN

Last year's Oscar-winning director Martin Scorsese arrived in Berlin to present the world premiere of his newest music documentary, SHINE A LIGHT. And he brought with him the film's stars, The Rolling Stones who obviously were having a great time in front of the roaring crowd of 3000 people. This was the kind of excitement a festival opening needs and with it the 58th Berlin International Film Festival kicked off in style.

Onstage to introduce the evening, various dignitaries tried to take credit for getting the foursome to Berlin but the audience didn't care about anything except that they were going to have fun with "the world's greatest rock and roll band." Clearly Scorsese loves their music as it has appeared in several of his films. And with this film he gathered a crew of some great cinematographers and let them loose over the two-night engagement at New York's relatively intimate (for a Stones show) Beacon Theatre. With some backstage insight including Marty getting frustrated because he cannot obtain their play list for the show,w e start out feeling like insiders. The Clinton family is introduced backstage in a very funny moment. And then Keith Richards breaks into the opening of "Jumpin Jack Flash" and the show takes off, as do the audiences in the Beacon and the movie theater. For a bit it is in danger of dragging but then things get into high gear and never look back. Christine Aguilera and Buddy Guy turn in fine work as surprise guests.

The film's editors, working with material provided by 17 cameras to capture all the angles have done an amazing job. Earlier, at a press conference, Scorsese said, "We tried to get as close to the feeling of a live concert as possible." And they succeeded.

The film is balanced with some great historic footage including an interview with Dick Cavett in 1972 where Mick Jagger is asked if he can imagine still doing what he does at 60. Jagger has no hesitation responding, "Easily."

And this showcase is proof these guys, well past 60 years, have no plans to slow down voluntarily.

Friday is when things get serious. Hundreds of movies will screen in various sections and in the market that doesn't require talentÉjust enough money to rent a screening room for nearly $1000.00.

Many films in the Berlinale are hoping to win awards from a jury that includes the bay area's own Oscar-winning master film editor, Walter Murch.

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