If I could go back in time, there are three events I would love to have witnessed, one is the 1965 MLB all-star game with fourteen hall of fame players, second would be the assassin of Julius Caesar, and third would be in the basement studio on Gerrard Street in Aug. 12th, 1968 when The New Yardbirds, soon to be called, Led Zeppelin did their first jam session together. To see the look on each other’s face when they realize they were not just accomplished performers, but phenomenal musicians that will be able to work together would be amazing.

Becoming Led Zeppelin directed by musician film documentarian Bernard McMahon is unique because it is not produced by the band nor its members and its own production company, it is produced by indie film companies Big Beach, and Paradise Pictures. The film is actually about how the group formed and its journey to making its first two albums without digging in the ugly warts, or touchy subjects, or serious scandals that still plague the band. Instead, the film presents the case of how this group formulated with Jimmy Page being the quarterback for the group and its direction. 

If you are not a fan or you just have a casual interest in Led Zeppelin, you will probably lean into the reaction of, much ado about nothing. There isn’t any big secret uncovered or scandal discussed, but that is not the point of this film. It is really to just shine a light on the process of coming together and what they were before they met. It also covers their process of making their first two albums. It is important to point out that among most egregious allegations against the band, is that most of the music of the first two albums was stolen, or pieces of arrangements used without the artist consent or knowledge.

There is interesting kernels in this though. There is some new footage that is shown, and some of the familiar facts we know do get more flushed out, but overall there is a feeling of unfulfillment to this. If you want the ugly side and scandals discussed check out “Stairway to Heaven” by Richard Cole, and “Hammer of The Gods” by Stephen Davis. Stu  One great aspecct of this documentary is that some of their performances of songs live are shown for its entire duration which has never been shown before. Overall, the film, even though it is compelling, and thoughtful but never gets all the lead out.