Welcome 'Becoming Led Zeppelin'
6 February 2025
Unfurling like a vintage tapestry, the documentary "Becoming Led Zeppelin" is a journey through time, starting not with the roar of guitars but with gentle, almost sacred images from the band members' childhoods forming a prelude to a saga where Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, John Paul Jones, and John Bonham's paths converge, creating the sound that would later echo through rock history.
The film captures the essence of their beginning, threading through the London session days where ambition danced with opportunity. It's in the black-and-white footage of early gigs where one glimpses the raw potential that would soon blaze into the band's legendary status. Critics have lauded the documentary for its treasure trove of unseen live performances and candid behind-the-scenes moments, offering a sensory feast for those who remember—or wish to imagine—the era's vibrant pulse.
Yet, some voices in the critique choir suggest the film might shy away from a deeper dive into the band's psyche or the less glamorous chapters of their ascent. They observe that while it revels in nostalgia and fan adoration, it perhaps misses a beat by not exploring the intricate tapestry of their personalities or the shadows cast by their fame.
The narrative of "Becoming Led Zeppelin" flows like a river, chronicling the band's swift transformation from session players to rock royalty. It's here, in the depiction of their first album's creation and the tours that followed, where the film truly sings. It's a celebration of their creative alchemy, capturing the essence of their musical evolution from blues roots to groundbreaking experimentation.
However, there's a murmur among some that the documentary's storytelling picks and chooses, painting a picture that's perhaps too bright. It celebrates their triumphs, yet tiptoes around the controversies or the personal battles that shaped their music and lives. This selective narrative leaves room for a longing for a more nuanced portrait, one that includes the light and the shadow.
The interviews with the surviving members are like intimate confessions, providing a window into their collective soul. Robert Plant's reflections in particular resonate like poetry, offering a glimpse into the band's inner workings and his own journey through fame. The inclusion of an audio interview with John Bonham adds a poignant note, connecting viewers to the spirit of the band in a deeply personal way.
Technically, the film's sound design is a triumph, reviving the music with a vibrancy that feels both nostalgic and new. The choice to keep much of the music in its raw, unpolished state is a tribute to the authenticity of Led Zeppelin's live magic, highlighting their virtuosity and passion.
In sum, "Becoming Led Zeppelin" stands as a monument to one of rock's most profound legacies, capturing their rise with both reverence and spectacle. While it might not weave every thread of their complex tapestry, it does offer moments of genuine connection to the music and the musicians. For fans, this documentary is a love letter to their legacy; for others, it's an inviting glimpse into the alchemy that turned four musicians into legends. The film, with its rich visual and auditory tapestry, invites contemplation on the nature of fame, creativity, and the timeless power of rock music.
