Movies - Some Kind of Monster

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	Movies - Some Kind of Monster

Some Kind of Monster, also the name of a song released in 2003 by Metallica, is the name of a 2004 film featuring the band.

What began as documenting the making of an album (St. Anger) became an unexpected voyage into the complexities of human relationships, and the power of the creative process to exact emotional tolls and ultimately, to heal the soul.

The documentary, filmed in a 4:3 aspect ratio, shows many studio rehearsals and fragments of concert footage.

Synopsis

Metallica are forced to examine their nature and their very existence as frontman James Hetfield abrutply leaves the group to enter a rehabilitation facility. Q-Prime, Metallica's management, hires "performance-enhancing coach" Phil Towle (frequently yet erroneously referred to as a "therapist", even though the Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board removed his license in the early 1990's for "twice trying to improperly convince clients to continue treatment", a disturbing trend that is continuously seen throughout the film) to help the group better understand one another as friends, bandmates and human beings. Of particular note to Metallica fans is the perceived "power struggle" between Hetfield and drummer Lars Ulrich - best friends for over two decades who are finally beginning to understand one another. In one of the film's more memorable scenes, Ulrich confesses that he resents Hetfield's need to control everything, even when Hetfield is not present (James objected to the rest of the band working on recorded material when he was not present). The scene ends with Ulrich starting to curse under his breath, before finally getting nose-to-nose with his best friend and roaring "FUCK!!"

Aftermath

As with everything Metallica has done since 1991 (if not 1984: Ulrich has asserted that some fans were complaining of being sold out by the inclusion of something resembling a ballad - Fade to Black - on Ride the Lightning), fan reception to the movie was divided. Most applauded it, praising the band for having the courage to portray themselves as naturally as possible, with no pretentions of being millionaire rock stars. Other fans derided the movie and the band, for being nothing more than insecure rock stars coming to grips with their age and maturity.

Controversy erupted when footage of Dave Mustaine was featured in the film. Mustaine, Metallica's former lead guitarist who left the band in the early 1980s, nearly came to tears after revealing his distaste for always being second to Metallica. Mustaine protested the usage of this footage, especially since he was not paid for it. Mustaine also stated that he once hoped to collaborate with the band, with which he has had numerous conflicts over the ownership of select Metallica songs. However, Mustaine believed that the band, specifically Lars Ulrich, had crossed the line.

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