Skip to main content

Deep Dive: Sympathy for the Devil (1968)

Film Lens

Sympathy for the Devil
Sympathy for the Devil features The Rolling Stones rehearsing their song 'Sympathy for the Devil' in a studio setting. The film alternates between this rehearsal and five vignettes that reflect on the societal, political, and cultural climate of 1968. Through these vignettes, the film addresses significant issues such as Black Power, murder, fascism, and revolution, providing a stark contrast to the music being created by the band. The film is directed by Jean-Luc Godard, who uses the rehearsal as a backdrop to comment on the tumultuous events of the time. The juxtaposition of the band's creative process with the serious themes of violence and societal change creates a unique narrative structure that challenges viewers to consider the relationship between art and reality during a period of upheaval.

Why Watch

  • See The Rolling Stones rehearse 'Sympathy for the Devil'.
  • Meet Jean-Luc Godard's take on 1968's political climate.
  • Find out how music intersects with social issues.

Did You Know

The film was released in 1968 and has a duration of 115 minutes.
It features five different vignettes reflecting on 1968 society.
The production country for the film is the United Kingdom.
The film's tagline mentions topics like Black Power, murder, and revolution.

Perfect For

1960s countercultureRock music fansPolitical history enthusiasts