The film, only ten minutes long, focuses on Hunter's time at the concert, his unmarked grave in the Skyview Cemetery, and Edward Wilkes, general manager of the cemetery. Wilkes shows us around the grounds, offering information on the spot where Hunter is buried. For unknown reasons Hunter's family declined to purchase a headstone for the plot, so Hunter is buried without any markers or identification. The film plays up the contrast between Hunter's role in Altamont and his relative obscurity today.
hard to be obscure in a lime green suit
What I learned: I didn't know much the incident. I knew it involved the Rolling Stones and The Hell's Angels, and that's about it. I learned that the concert was supposed to be the West Coast's version of Woodstock, that there was only one death (I figured it was much more for some reason) and that the Hell's Angel who did the deed was never convicted, since it was self-defense. What really interested me was how the incident was used to signify the real "end" to the peace and love mentality of the 60's. This film made it seem like it was the final nail in the coffin.
What I liked: Though the film's focus is on Hunter, Wilkes steals the show. He's got a calming, thoughtful manner that captures attention in a subtle way. He's allowed to speak about his views on death and legacy, first relating to Hunter than opening up more broadly. The film directly discusses the death of Meredith Hunter, but it also speaks to the nature of death itself.
You could watch the trailer, but with it only being 10 mins long, why not just watch the whole thing?
It's worth noting that after the film was released donations were raised and in 2008 a headstone was purchased for Meredith Hunter.
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