Some Kind of Monster

Some Kind of Monster is essential viewing for Metallica fans. It is a gripping documentary which was released in 2004 and it offers a behind the scenes insight into the relationships within the band and their struggle to record the St. Anger album.

A camera crew followed them around from 2001 until 2003 and, while the documentary was originally meant to be a straight forward look at how they recorded the St. Anger album, it proved to be a much deeper project which revealed the inner workings of Metallica warts and all. Interesting moments include the power struggle between Hetfield and Ulrich, an interview with Dave Mustaine, the departure of Jason Newsted and the auditions that the band held for a new bassist including Rob Trujillo’s tryout.

The documentary received great reviews from critics and it is an interesting film whether you are a fan of the band or not. Film makers Joe Berlinger and Bruce Sinofsky have captured Metallica at their most vulnerable and it was a brave decision for the band to release this film because they often look neurotic, petty and childish.

They enter the studio in San Francisco with the intention of recording an album and with Newsted departing the producer Bob Rock is enlisted to play bass but almost immediately the arguments start. Hetfield and Ulrich are unable to agree on anything and they bring in therapist, Phil Towle who attempts to bring unity to the group with absolutely no success. Funnily enough it is Towle who manages to get Hetfield and Ulrich to eventually agree on something but unfortunately for him they agree he should be fired.

With tension at a high and the pressure on, Hetfield enters rehab and just disappears for a year. Ulrich tries to continue but when Hetfield returns the tension is far from relieved. Poor Kirk Hammett seems to be a force for peace during the bickering and he struggles to exert a calming influence. There are also interesting scenes such as Ulrich being visited by his overbearing father and the infamous interview with Mustaine. Dave Mustaine was the guitarist with Metallica in their first year and he confronts Ulrich about the way they threw him out of the band. He later claimed the interview was edited to make him look bad and that Ulrich cried but despite his objections the release form had already been signed and so it went out without his blessing.

There is also an interview with Jason Newsted about why he left the band and he speaks openly about the damage it has done to him. The footage of several potential bassists trying out is really interesting and by the time they settle on Rob Trujillo the band seem to be healing up nicely. The film is actually surprisingly light on music and focuses more on the band relationships and endless conversations which often spill into arguments. The band members are clearly aging and as their priorities change so their lifestyles have to alter to keep them from going mad.

It is rare for a band of Metallica’s stature to offer fans and critics a look at how they really operate and there’s no doubt at times the documentary has a real car wreck quality to it. The fact they are still going after such a long time shows their passion for the music but the film provoked mixed responses from the fans with some criticising them for being so insecure and others applauding their courage. Either way it is a really entertaining documentary.