CheekyChicago

Monday evening brought the privilege of attending the Music Box’s only screening of the new White Stripes documentary, Under the Great White Northern Lights.  The film, which debuted last year at the Toronto Film Festival, coincides with the release of the White Stripes’ forthcoming live CD of the same name.  Nearly three years ago, the gritty rock ‘n’ roll duo set forth on their first-ever Canadian tour, including stops in each of the country’s main provinces.  The 2007 tour also coincided with the Stripes’ 10-year anniversary.  Under these two special circumstances, the pale-faced pair opted to approach the tour in a different way; and lucky for us, filmmaker Emmett Malloy tagged along to document their every move.

The film follows the White Stripes as they trek from province to province, stopping in mostly smaller towns, which normally wouldn’t host bands like the White Stripes.  They stuck to arena and auditorium shows in the evening, but each day, the “brother and sister” team sought out something otherwise uncharacteristic of one of the world’s most popular rock bands.  By afternoon, word spread to eager Canadians about rumored impromptu White Stripes shows in their town.  Tips led fans to such rare and intimate (not to mention hilarious) performances at such unorthodox venues as the local YMCA kids’ camp, an Inuit elder meeting, a bowling alley, a traveling boat, and a city bus.  Always the charismatic frontman, Jack White led the bus’ patrons in a sing-along version of – what else – “The Wheels on the Bus.”

Malloy beautifully captured not only the band’s intense evening performances, but also the candid droll of tour, and the endearing interaction between Jack and Meg.  Northern Lights didn’t introduce much new or surprising material, as far as music goes; instead, songs played spanned the duo’s history, including singles like “Fell In Love With a Girl” and “Seven Nation Army” as well as live covers like the ever-chilling “Jolene.” The varied setlists seemed to honor the significance of the Stripes’ 10^th anniversary.

Northern Lights encompasses what all quality documentaries should strive to be — honest, entertaining, and informative.  It was clear that the crew had worked to achieve a level of trust with the band.  During an interview with Malloy, Jack White acknowledges a prevalent perception of the band — that they are “fake” and “premeditated,” with their matching outfits and dubious back-story.  But the songwriter debunks the misconception, stating the music is as real as it can be – proving the White Stripes are, in fact, the most authentic band to tote such a contrived gimmick.

Northern Lights is an absolute must-see for any White Stripes fan, or anyone who appreciates aesthetically-shot images.  Malloy successfully captures the intimacy Jack and Meg White share, and have shared, over the last 10+ years.  In what is most certainly the most moving part of the film, Northern Lights closes with a simple yet poignant shot of Jack and Meg sitting at a piano, as he seemingly serenades her with “White Moon.”  Viewers will undoubtedly be moved by the intimacy captured in this clearly emotional moment between two musicians with such a curiously wonderful history.