University of Virginia Library

Altamont Festival

The best feeling of what
Altamont was like is conveyed in a
shot when Jagger is singing and the
stage is crowded with onlookers. As
Jagger sings and dances out of the
frame, we see a bearded man, quite
obviously tripping, pulling his hair
while yelling at Jagger at the top of
his lungs. The expression on his
face is terrifying, but Jagger never
sees it, for he is too busy mocking
the audience, showering them with
rose petals, and giving them the
performance they want. The
juxtaposition of the two men is, I
feel, the most successful and
frightening shot in the entire film,
conveying the essence of Jagger and
the ominous atmosphere
surrounding Altamont.