On general release
Shane Meadows / UK / 2013 / 170 min
Reservedly sipping tea with instruments in hand, The Stone Roses’ rehearsals in 2012 seem a world away from the rebellious nature of their early days. Director Shane Meadows paints a seemingly idyllic portrait of the reunited band and although there are signs of friction between Ian Brown and drummer Alan Wren, if you’re looking for a story about bust-ups and broken relationships, this is not the film to see.
Meadows remains loyal to celebrating what The Stone Roses achieved, documenting the press conference for their reunion, through to the highly anticipated homecoming at Manchester’s Heaton Park in June 2012. Offering an eclectic blend of old and new footage, Made of Stone captures a realistic yet promising moment in time for a band who seem focussed on writing new material for their future, rather than being haunted by their past. However, it is not all about The Stone Roses, it’s also about the fans. Those religiously loyal followers who offer their cars for a ticket to the band’s first concert since 1996, or stand outside the venue, desperate to vaguely hear the songs playing from within. What Made of Stone lacks in journalistic style it makes up for in emotion. An aesthetically pleasing documentary motivated by passion that quite rightly gives the music precedence.