Gimme Shelter captures not
only a moment of rock and roll
history, but also a time before
everyone had the ability to capture
concert footage and broadcast it
immediately. In classic Maysles
style, the film unfolds slowly as
the Rolling Stones prepare to
give a free concert at Altamont
Speedway, outside San Francisco.
The concert footage offers a
jarring juxtaposition between
adoring fans who traveled far to
see the band, the performers, and
the Hell's Angels, there to provide
"security," who turn violent.