Becoming Led Zeppelin: an 'exhilarating' documentary
First authorised film captures the legendary rock band's energy – but avoids their 'nearly mythic destructive arc'

Led Zeppelin were, for a time, "the world's biggest band", and at long last we have an "official documentary" about them, said James Mottram in NME. Directed by Bernard MacMahon, the film interweaves archive footage with interviews with Zep's three surviving members: Robert Plant, John Paul Jones and Jimmy Page, the guitarist who forged the band from the ashes of his previous outfit, The Yardbirds.
There are also "previously unheard musings" from John Bonham, who died in 1980, which make him feel present too. As per the title, the film focuses on the band's inception, and it is "forensic" when it comes to pre-Zep moments, with explorations of the band members' childhoods and early influences – even if it is "frustrating" that the narrative stops before "Stairway to Heaven".
"It is worth making an effort to catch" this documentary in a cinema, to fully appreciate the "sheer immensity of the sound that comes roaring out of the big speakers" when the band plays – "a shuddering assault of electric blues that has lost none of its bone-rattling" power over the decades, said Neil McCormick in The Daily Telegraph. But this is an authorised take, and it's a pity that it avoids Led Zeppelin's "nearly mythic destructive arc". This was a band, after all, "with a reputation for Satanic darkness, sexual abuse and violent aggression", and which set "a wildly decadent template for showbusiness hedonism". In the end, I found the film a bit dry and dishonest.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
It's certainly a "rose-coloured" look back, said Jem Aswad in Variety: nothing is said, for instance, about the band members' "abominable treatment of women". But it's still "an exhilarating portrait" of one of the most exciting groups in rock history, and it channels the band's energy "beautifully".
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
The Masters: Rory McIlroy finally banishes his demons
In the Spotlight McIlroy's grand slam triumph will go down as 'one of the greatest and most courageous victories in the history of golf'
By The Week UK
-
What is your net worth and why is it worth knowing?
the explainer Take stock of your assets
By Becca Stanek, The Week US
-
Hantavirus: the rare pathogen linked to rodents that attacks the lungs
The Explainer Despite the low risk of contracting it, the virus could be potentially deadly
By Theara Coleman, The Week US
-
6 must-see homes in Boston
Feature Featuring a factory-turned-loft in South Boston and a wraparound roof deck in South End
By The Week US
-
Cartier at the V&A: a 'dazzling' show
The Week Recommends A 'once-in-a-lifetime' display of the French jeweller's 'exquisite' objects
By Irenie Forshaw, The Week UK
-
What is Free Speech?: a 'meticulous' look at the evolution of freedom of expression
The Week Recommends Fara Dabhoiwala provides both history and critique while 'correcting misconceptions'
By The Week UK
-
Rupert Gavin shares his favourite books
The Week Recommends The theatre impresario picks works by Dan Jones, Annie Ernaux and Floella Benjamin
By The Week UK
-
What They Found: Sam Mendes's powerful debut documentary
The Week Recommends The Oscar-winning director's harrowing film features footage and first-hand accounts of the liberation of Bergen-Belsen concentration camp
By The Week UK
-
The Return: a 'lethally effective' Odyssey adaptation
The Week Recommends Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche reunite in Urberto Pasolini's 'emotionally gripping' drama
By The Week UK
-
Critics' choice: Three takes on tavern dining
Feature A second Minetta Tavern, A 1946 dining experience, and a menu with a mission
By The Week US
-
Film reviews: Warfare and A Minecraft Movie
Feature A combat film that puts us in the thick of it and five misfits fall into a cubic-world adventure
By The Week US