This Film Should Be Played LOUD: Sound Opinions presents The Last Waltz at The Music Box Theater

By Eric Hehr in Arts & Entertainment on Nov 12, 2011 7:00PM

It’s one thing to understand the sound of rock ‘n roll, but it’s another thing to understand the look of rock ‘n roll. Martin Scorsese’s The Last Waltz manages to capture both.

The sonic and aesthetic power of rock ‘n roll in its most pure, unadulterated form throughout the duration of The Last Waltz. Perhaps this is due to the soulful musicianship of the Band, or maybe it’s due to the technical film craft of a young, romantic Scorsese. Most would agree that it’s an ideal blend of both muse and artist: a talented filmmaker documenting a talented band’s interpersonal relationships on the road, and exploring how such dynamics can transcend to the stage - all amongst a sea of hard drugs, bruised egos, and burning stage-lights.

This 1976 Thanksgiving concert film captures the Band’s final performance at San Francisco’s infamous Winterland, and features guest appearances from rock ‘n roll royalty: Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, Neil Diamond, Van Morrison, Ringo Starr, Joni Mitchell, Ronnie Wood, Muddy Waters, and many more.

The Sound Opinions at the Movies series will screen The Last Waltz at The Music Box Theater (3733 N. Southport Avenue) on Wednesday, November 30th at 7:00 pm - some 35 years after the 1976 Thanksgiving concert occurred. Sound Opinions hosts, Greg Kot of the Chicago Tribune and Jim DeRogatis of WBEZ.org, will be present at the screening to provide a short introduction to the film and expound upon it’s legacy. In typical Kot Vs. DeRogatis fashion, there is sure to be some rivaling opinions about the film, which many consider to be the greatest concert film ever made (and many others consider to be a lopsided portrait of Robbie Robertson through the lens of a coked-out Scorsese).

“The Last Waltz provides a snapshot of legends and cult figures from the quarter-century when blues, country and gospel merged into rock. It’s a once-in-a-generation event,” said Kot. “Good thing that six weeks ahead of time somebody thought to invite Martin Scorsese to film it.”

DeRogatis added: “Considered by many, though not all, to be the best rock concert film ever made, every music fan needs to see Martin Scorsese’s The Last Waltz at least once.”

Tickets for this Sound Opinions at the Movies screening of The Last Waltz at the Music Box are $8 in advance for WBEZ members and $9 in advance for the general public online at soundopinions.org. Tickets will also be available at the door for $10 (cash only).