ArtPower at UC San Diego Performing Arts Season 2008-2009

The White Stripes (Documentary)

under great white northern lights

From the cinematic genius of Emmett Malloy is spawned this unprecedented account of The White Stripes reality- their unrivaled musicianship, and unfiltered commentaries on life and life on the road, all in the Canadian summer of 2007. Through his 16mm camera lens, Malloy brings to full exposure the essence of Jack and Meg White in his documentary “Under Great White Northern Lights.” The film was conceived from the band’s initiative to do the undone- tour each province in Canada, every reasonable (or unreasonable) nook of the landscape including bowling alleys and city buses, in order to deliver their legendary sound to unsuspecting townspeople and diehard fans alike. And as to be expected, the duo does it all. They play their longest show ever at the Savoy Theater on their 10th anniversary, only to balance it out with a subsequent one-note ensemble. And somewhere between tinkering on old pianos and firing off cannons in an empty field, the band evokes and sustains a most intimate connection with their audience. “Under Great White Northern Lights” illuminates the soul of the White Stripes, their rooted spirit for Rock ‘n Roll, and their unshakable dedication to their fans. As Jack White simplifies it in the film, “from the ocean to the permafrost” he and Meg only come to delivery some of the most unforgettable performances our generation has ever seen.