What does one say about the Red Hot Chili Peppers? Are they still a force to be reckoned with? Have they verged into the realms of caricature yet? Is it a sign of the times that this once die-hard fan has little or nothing new to say about the band that inspired those excited squeals of youth? Gone are the days when Chili Peppers posters adorned the bedroom walls of my high school friendship group, when Flea and Chad Smith were considered the height of a rhythm section, when we considered Anthony Kiedis more literary genius than pretentious jerk. Would the 15-year-old version of myself berate the present-day me for regarding this tenth studio RHCP album, “I’m With You”, with such apathy?
“Bands change, kiddo.” I’d say.
And upon saying that, I’d probably lean back and sigh and wish that the corresponding cinema event was released a decade or more ago.
Right off the bat, it must be said that I’m With You – the film, not the album — is strictly for the fans. I can’t imagine someone who isn’t a fan of the Chilis being compelled to watch the band perform their new album live in its entirety — the only time this will be happening, the filmmakers are eager to stress. Certainly, I’m With You has its moments in which that old RHCP greatness and intensity appears to shine through. Unfortunately, these moments are rare. Viewed in a larger context of the Chili oeuvre, I’m With You – both the film and the album — is simply adequate, nothing more.
I’m With You is presented as a “Cinema Event”, rather than merely a “Concert Film”. Shot in Germany, the band’s first and only live performance of ”I’m With You” was broadcast live — I have my doubts that it was completely live — in American cinemas on August 31 and then repeated on September 1. Complete with a counter at the bottom of the screen announcing the decreasing minutes to when the band take the stage, the filmmakers go to great lengths in attempting to build a sense of tension and excitement. The band is interviewed, with Kiedis announcing that they’ve just scraped together learning the songs in the nick of time. The band speaks excitedly of the fact that this will be a debut of sorts for new axe-man Josh Klinghoffer. However, unfortunately for Australian audiences, I’m With You won’t be screened until early October. Thus the sense of anticipation, that of a big reveal, felt somewhat muted.
As far as Chili Peppers concerts go, if you’re expecting an intensity equal to that of days of yore, you might consider the gig captured here in glorious high definition as a bit muted. It’s serviceable, yes, and as mentioned before it does occasionally contain glimpses of greatness. Drummer Chad Smith is as excellent as ever, and bassist Flea seems enthusiastic as always, doing most of the audience addressing, even taking a turn at the piano. Front-man Anthony Kiedis, meanwhile, occasionally seems unsure of the lyrics to the new songs, and at times struggles with odd time signatures. Long-time RHCP off-sider and friend Josh Klinghoffer performs admirably as the new guitarist, stepping into the formidable and well-loved shoes of John Frusciante, who departed the band in 2008. One has to feel for Klinghoffer, joining a band once steeped in innovation and potent intensity, but now yielding nothing much in the way of revelations. He’s certainly a talented musician though, and it’ll be interesting to see if some young blood will teach the old dogs new tricks.
I have one beef with this particular film/live concert/cinema event that stands out and above all other beefs: the running time. Have you listened to an album from start to finish lately? It’s a serious commitment listening to an LP from cover to cover in a single sitting. I still do it from time to time — heck, I still make use of my record player — but I certainly wouldn’t do it for “I’m With You”. I dare say that being in the audience of this concert would have been enjoyable and exciting, as live gigs usually are. However, sitting in a cinema through the overly ponderous opening sequence preamble, then the pre-show interviews, then the unfamiliar 14 songs of the new album grew tiring, and conducive to fidgeting. Perhaps it’s a problem the Chilis have to address, after the incredibly superfluous double album that was ”Stadium Arcadium”. Yes there is enjoyment to be had, but I found that after 90 minutes with no end in sight, I was well and truly restless.
I’m With You is beautifully shot. There are a few “greatest hits” at the show’s close. I enjoyed a great many moments of the concert, admired the talents of four powerful musicians who have been at it since before my birth. Unfortunately, this is the realm of the still die-hard fan. And unfortunately for the 15-year-old me, I’m not one of those anymore. Perhaps a feature-length documentary would have been a wiser choice than this. Watch if you enjoyed the album, if you love RHCP, and don’t say I didn’t warn you.
I’m With You is screening in selected cinemas October 4 & 5.
Follow the author Rebecca Mery on Twitter.
