Director Nimrod Antal's (Predators) Metallica Through the Never opens this weekend in IMAX 3D.  The pic combines Metallica concert footage with a fictional narrative where Dane DeHaan plays a roadie who is sent on a mission through a “terrifying post-apocalyptic urban streetscape” during a concert.  For more on the film, watch the trailer.

At this year's Toronto International Film Festival, I landed an exclusive video interview with Metallica's lead singer and guitarist James Hetfield.  He talked about how the project came together, the amazing sound mix, his go-to karaoke song, what he collects, how he got involved in the South Park movie, have they ever thought about doing a full soundtrack for a film, what it's like playing in Japan, the status of new music from the band, and more.  Hit the jump to watch.

James Hetfield Time Index:

  • 0:30 – It's a surprise to be at TIFF, but a movie with IMAX has been in the works for a long time.
  • 2:20 – The concert and sound mix was designed with the movie audience in mind.
  • 3:30 – His go-to karaoke song is "Wicked Game."
  • 4:05 – Talks about travels to Japan and playing to Japanese audiences.  They played China for the first time recently.
  • 5:20 – Hetfield collects cars, automobile memorabilia, and 40s/50s neon signs related to cars.  Also guitars.
  • 6:30 – Metallica gets offers to write songs for a movie, but it's risky when you don't know how the movie will turn out.
  • 7:40 – Talks South Park.  He doesn't watch much TV, but he loves Family Guy and American Dad.
  • 8:35 – Los Angeles is a scene that can be difficult to play to.
  • 9:40 – New music is in the works, but not yet started.

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