Ever since the release of "Seven Nation Army" on the album "Elephant" (2003), I've kept a close eye on the White Stripes, wondering what was it about the hypnotic bass line that drew me into the garage-rock, blues-y group. I believe that one of the most appealing qualities of The White Stripes is the group's unique approach to music that speaks to the almost-forgotten rock-and-roll culture in today's world where hip-hop and R&B are king.
Their album "Get Behind Me Satan" (2005) won the Grammy for Best Alternative Music Album in 2006. "Icky Thump" (2007) followed, garnering them their first Top 40 Hit with the titular song "Icky Thump." Now it's 2009, and according to their new-release-every-two-years pattern, an album is due to drop right about now.
As per their usual love of doing the unexpected, however, The White Stripes decided that this year they would make a documentary movie instead. "Under Great White Northern Lights," directed by Emmet Malloy, was released at this year's Toronto International Film Festival on Sept. 18.
The film documents Jack and Meg's massive summer 2007 Canadian tour, during which they visited every territory and province in Canada, from Nunavut to the Yukon. The two played secret impromptu shows in local pool halls, bowling alleys, public parks, flour mills, fishing vessels, classrooms, grocery stores, transit buses you get the idea. Malloy was able to capture it all, documenting Jack's frustration with technology's heavy hand in music, Meg's growing depression and the nuances of their relationship with one another.
Shot in black and white as a tribute to The White Stripes ineffable love for red, white and black, the film has a decidedly nostalgic and tragic feel. Malloy does a terrific job of communicating the Stripes' frustration that music has become an industry exploited to bring fame to barely pubescent teenaged girls, rather than a genuine outlet for human emotion. It's really less of a film than it is a rock-and-roll love letter from one band to musical times past.
Even though I won't be humming any new White Stripes hooks in the shower, I think that the release of this film cements Jack and Meg White as genuine artists dedicated to music and performance in a greater way than any new album could.
