by Jon Wiederhorn
For anyone that metaphorically bleeds the devotional face paint of Ghost, the band’s epic concert film “Rite Here Rite Now” is a must-see. And for those who are only vaguely aware of who Ghost are, you need to find out what you’ve been missing!
“Rite Here Right Now,” isn’t a traditional concert film. It’s a majestic, cinematic presentation that ups the ante on the theatricality the band is known for, combines it with conceptual plot elements, and wraps it all together in a barbed wire pentagram. It’s a rock opera disguised as a mockumentary, charading as an occult film. At times it’s darkly comical, at others, it’s touching and heartfelt. Throughout it reflects the melodramatic genius of one of rock’s most unusual, most unlikely arena rock stars.
The film, which drew such a strong reaction from crowds during its limited theatrical engagement that the run was extended, was shot during the epic send-off of Cardinal Copia (aka “Cardi”) at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles and features songs that span the band’s career. Unlike some musical art films, which get tripped up by subplots, the B-roll of “Rite Here Rite Now” enhances the presentation, weaving together a narrative that follows Cardi’s struggle with the end of his legacy and the passing of the torch to the next Pope.
“It’s a rock opera disguised as a mockumentary, charading as an occult film.”
Think “This is Spinal Tap” meets “The Godfather,” with the vibe of “The Exorcist.” The film features Papa Nihil, the original shepherd of this spectral flock, dispensing sardonic wisdom, while Cardi’s hilariously dysfunctional home life unfolds. There’s even an animated segment that details Papa Nihil’s delightfully twisted courtship with Cardi’s mother, all set to the hauntingly beautiful “Mary on a Cross.”
The narrative thread adds depth to the spectacle, offering a peek behind the Papa Emeritus mask and reminding us that even these demonic rock stars face, well, rock star problems. Yet, the true jewel in the crown is the concert footage.
The production quality is a revelation, both visually and sonically. The opening blast of “Kaisarion” perfectly captures the band’s energetic aesthetic, while the live debut of “Twenties” takes on a whole new life as a phalanx of skeletal dancers fills the stage.
Then there’s the acoustic rendition of “If You Have Ghost,” stripped bare with cellos, piano, and female backing vocals. This intimate performance on the “B” stage provides viewers a rare glimpse at the sentimentality lurking underneath the often mindblowing theatrics. Filmed with great skill and attention to detail by a crew that’s as interested in creating art as capturing rock and roll, the footage see-saws between shots of the euphoric crowd and close-ups of the band members that even front-row concertgoers aren’t privy to.
The only skeletal bone of contention we had was that the music occasionally took a back seat to the narrative. The exclusion of the complete performance of “Miasma,” for example, was disappointing since the Nameless Ghouls were in full-on face-shredding mode when the performance was cut short. But maybe that’s just Ghost being Ghost, thwarting expectations, leaving fans wanting more. Ghostmaster Tobias Forge pulls the same trick at the end of the movie, and let’s just say it’s equal parts infuriating and hilarious; the post-credits reveal left viewers both fuming and chuckling. Here’s another reason not to miss the ending. The new Ghost song the surfy, psychedelic “The Future is a Foreign Land” plays over the film credits, and while you can hear it below, it sounds a hell of a lot better in a packed movie theater with blasting Dolby sound.
