Metallica: Some Kind of Monster

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Metallica: Some Kind of Monster

2004

2h 20m

Documentary

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

88%

Tomatometer

121 Reviews

83%

Popcornmeter

10,000+ Ratings

After bassist Jason Newsted quits the band in 2001, heavy metal superstars Metallica realize that they need an intervention. In this revealing documentary, filmmakers follow the three rock stars as they hire a group therapist and grapple with 20 years of repressed anger and aggression. Between searching for a replacement bass player, creating a new album and confronting their personal demons, the band learns to open up in ways they never thought possible.

Critics Consensus

Fascinating behind-the-scenes look at how Metallica survives one of their more turbulent periods.

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J. R. Jones

Chicago Reader

06/29/2022

Snippets of the band’s brutally percussive music punctuate the endless encounter sessions, which expose the musicians’ boundless self-absorption...

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Jeannette Catsoulis

Las Vegas Mercury

09/09/2004

4/5

The real beauty of "Metallica" is its understanding of a business, and a fan base, that provide no way to age gracefully while retaining musical credibility.

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Jamie Russell

BBC.com

09/04/2004

5/5

Whether you know everything or nothing about Metallica, it will rock you.

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Brian Costello

Common Sense Media

04/25/2017

4/5

Raw docu shows band at a low point; frequent cursing.

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Nick Rogers

Midwest Film Journal

09/19/2010

3.5/4

A mostly terrific documentary about a mostly terrible album. Despite derisory poor-me whining, it captures fragility and fear in Metallica's questioned relevancy, considered disbandment and the closest things to tears they can muster for each other.

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Jay Antani

Cinema Writer

08/20/2010

3/4

An entertaining and penetrating look at the creative process

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Madam D

@Madam1948 Feb 22

I'm not into head-banging music, but these guys can truly play some bad 'ol guitar. Enjoyed the riffs.

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revolver.0 8

@Revolver08 Jul 22

lamest spinal tap parody

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Devlin E

@RT25145301 11/05/2024

I LOVE Metallica, PERIOD, EXCLAMATION MARK.!

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James S

@RT99459189 08/31/2024

It helps you understand why st anger sounded the way they did

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Matthew R

@RT79688741 08/01/2024

Great documentary of the best band out there. Unfortunately, it documents a very hard time for the band.

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B. B

@b.b.2026 05/10/2023

For diehard fans, seek out the 2 disc DVD. The bonus content is longer than the movie.

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Joe Berlinger

Director

Bruce Sinofsky

Director

Kirk Hammett

Self

James Hetfield

Self

Dave Mustaine

Self

Jason Newsted

Self

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Synopsis

After bassist Jason Newsted quits the band in 2001, heavy metal superstars Metallica realize that they need an intervention. In this revealing documentary, filmmakers follow the three rock stars as they hire a group therapist and grapple with 20 years of repressed anger and aggression. Between searching for a replacement bass player, creating a new album and confronting their personal demons, the band learns to open up in ways they never thought possible.

Director: Joe Berlinger, Bruce Sinofsky
Producer: Bruce Sinofsky, Joe Berlinger
Distributor: IFC Films
Production Co: Third Eye Motion Picture Company
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jan 21, 2004, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Feb 10, 2017
Box Office (Gross USA): $1.2M
Runtime: 2h 20m
Sound Mix: Surround