Inside London’s Olympic Studios, legendary French new-wave director Jean-Luc Godard captured chaotic and controversial moments of rock legends The Rolling Stones in the studio. The cameras rolled as Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and the band crafted their iconic track, “Sympathy for the Devil.” The film, originally titled “One Plus One,” showcases the group’s creative process amid the chaos of 1968, intertwining studio footage with the political unrest of the Vietnam War-era world outside.
“Sympathy for the Devil” is far from a traditional music documentary. Through avant-garde filmmaking, Godard presents a fragmented narrative, layering revolutionary imagery and symbolic scenes. The film immerses viewers in the art being made during a time of upheaval, merging the recording sessions with the societal unrest of the era.
The documentary culminates with The Rolling Stones performing the finished version of the track, which evolved from a skeletal folk ballad into a timeless rock anthem. Despite not charting on the Billboard Hot 100 or being released as a single in the U.S., “Sympathy for the Devil” is revered as a masterpiece in rock music, often mentioned alongside the group’s defining achievements like “Gimme Shelter.”
The 1968 rock movie immortalizes The Rolling Stones’ creative process and the transformation of their music. Available for viewing on Apple TV, “Sympathy for the Devil” captures a pivotal moment in rock history that continues to inspire music lovers and filmmakers alike.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.