Metallica - Some Kind of Monster

Aroview: A compulsive documentary spectacle concerning the years of crisis (2001-2003) for Heavy Metal group "Metallica" as they grappled with internal acrimony, artistic crises and even their own 'band psychoanalyst'.

Known as much for intense lyrical epistles as ultra-heavy sonic punch, the demons and other "kinds of monsters" of band-leaders Lars Urlich and James Hetfield get a full on-camera airing, as dir.'s Berlinger and Sinofsky (friends of the band) zero-in, and no doubt stoke, their narcissistic self-obsessions. That the documentary is plainly adulatory adds to the air of overcooking, yet renders matters all the more fascinating and darkly humourous. Needless to say, one does not have to be a Metallica fan to enjoy.

NZ International Film Festival 2004