Concert films have always been a tricky sell for mainstream audiences, especially as a substitute to attending a gig in person. Having never made earth shattering box office, their place in the multiplex has always been questionable but what with the rise in gig ticket prices and 3D becoming an arguably more integral part of mainstream cinema, could this be about to change?
Metallica: Through The Never is an intriguing meld of fiction and 3D concert footage, incorporating CG effects and stunning sound via thrashing electric guitars. Director Nimrod Antal skilfully utilises the 3D technology, crafting an immersive experience that burrows into crowds, across the stage then beyond the realms of a standard rock gig and into a supernatural sub-plot, but while Through The Never is an exhilarating rock out and a treat for fans, it may come across as somewhat lacking for everyone else.
The interlinking storyline is thin, weaving live segments with a hackneyed narrative. A young roadie is sent on an errand and ends up entangled in some kind of rock apocalypse involving demons on horseback and monsters hell-bent on hanging everyone. It is a concept fitting to the rock aesthetics, in that monsters and metal generally mix well, but Through The Never is juvenile in its delivery, incorporating gimmicky horror clichés that belittle the music.
The concert looks and sounds great but is packaged and delivered in a child’s Halloween outfit. Where Some Kind Of Monster and Mission To Lars were brilliant documentaries capturing fascinating sides of Metallica on film, it’s a shame the band couldn’t employ a similarly ingenious concept and context for Through The Never.
3D is definitely no substitute for the gig-going experience. Antal does his best to make the show as cinematic as possible by tying the narrative to the stage activities. At one point the lights and stage structure collapses due to the apocalyptic commotion outside but this is flimsy linking and not enough to engage. Ultimately Through The Never feels like nothing more than a 90 minute Metallica advert that leaves you wanting to actually go to one of their concerts rather than watching it on a screen.
Daniel has awarded Metallica: Through The Never (3D) two Torches of Truth
