It Might Get Loud

Jimmy Page. The Edge. Jack White.

Even reading those three names in a row makes me a little giddy. I almost got chills watching these guys play together.

Director Davis Guggenheim rounded up three generations of rock ‘n’ roll gods, guitarists from Led Zeppelin, U2 and The White Stripes in his documentary ode to the electric guitar, “It Might Get Loud.”

The triad met in January 2008 to chat about their six-string obsession but ended up jamming more than jabbering. Circular dolly shots take in the legends playing together. It’s exhilarating.

But the bulk of the film’s running time consists of fascinating individual artist portraits where the boys visit old stomping grounds, gush about musical inspiration and reveal techniques.

The Edge’s deconstruction of U2’s “Elevation,” with its embarrassingly simple two-chord pattern, is a testament to his mastery of pedals and effects. White’s raw, gritty blues flavored rock and anti-technology sentiment make for an interesting comparison.

The White Stripes frontman makes the most interesting subject, in part because his persona is the hardest to pin down. He wanders around conversing with a nine-year-old version of himself, lives in a rickety barn that looks like it’s about to collapse, and dispels “ease of use” – plus he makes an interesting opening hook for the movie, creating a makeshift guitar out of wire, nails and an empty Coke bottle.

Page’s screen time seems a little slighted, but he is also the most reserved of the three, making his segments less interesting.

Besides the one-on-ones with the artists, there is archival footage of a neon-clad, new wave playing U2, earnest-faced Jimmy Page in a British skiffle band and a Stripes concert where White still refers to Meg as his sister.

It’s a bit demystifying, though fun, to see where the greats found their own inspiration: Page from rock pioneer Link Wray, The Edge from punk outfits The Jam and The Clash, White from the rockabilly of Flat Duo Jets.

While the film itself is a bit helter-skelter, jumping from topic to topic haphazardly, it’s well-shot with numerous close-ups of guitar playing action, deifying the guitar players.

Differing musical styles aside, each of the men has a common yearning to play honest music. The spirit of rock ‘n’ roll lives on even though it is tragically drowned out on today’s airwaves.

The music geek’s ultimate documentary, “It Might Get Loud” will give hardcore fans hard-ons. Extensive knowledge of rock history or fingering frets is not even required. “Loud” simply lets three great musicians rock.

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