Big Star: Nothing Can Hurt Me

Big Star: Nothing Can Hurt Me is a compelling documentary film from 2012 directed by Drew Denicola and Olivia Mori that gives viewers a deep and intimate look at the influential yet tragically overlooked rock band, Big Star.

The documentary is meticulously put together with in-depth interviews with band members, family, friends, and other notable figures in the music industry, as well as previously unseen footage, photos, and an evocative soundtrack. Billy Altman, Jon Auer, and legendary music journalist Lester Bangs are few of many icons featured in this tribute to one of the most celebrated yet unsung bands in the history of rock and roll.

The band Big Star, which emerged in the early 1970s, was composed of Alex Chilton, Chris Bell, Jody Stephens, and Andy Hummel. Despite their undeniable talent, the band struggled with commercial success. The film delves into their creative process, chronicles their failures and disappointments, and showcases their influence on the industry.

The narrative starts in Memphis, Tennessee, where the band was formed. Accentuated by interviews and performances, it traces the band's journey from the launch of their first album "#1 Record" to their disbandment, focusing on the artistic vision of its two main composers, Alex Chilton and Chris Bell.

Billy Altman’s passionate commentary lends an intriguing perspective to the often bewildering sequence of events that is the Big Star story. Jon Auer of The Posies provides an insight from a fan perspective, as his band famously paired with two original members of Big Star to revive their music in the 90s. The documentary also provides an ample focus on Lester Bangs, a prominent music journalist known for his fervent appreciation of Big Star, and whose unwavering advocacy for the band helped to further their legend in the industry.

The film tantalizingly explores the band's significant existential and artistic struggles. Though they've remained largely unappreciated during their active years, their intricate lyrics, rich melodies, and innovative harmonies have made an indelible impact on the genre. At the heart of the film is the tragic figure of Chris Bell, whose grisly fate only added to the band's enigmatic allure. Meanwhile, Alex Chilton's tumultuous journey to and from pop stardom is treated as a poignant subplot.

"Big Star: Nothing Can Hurt Me" also highlights how the band was a victim of unfortunate timing and circumstance, which included record company mishaps and marketing missteps. The documentary painstakingly displays how, despite critical acclaim, their beautifully crafted pop songs never reached the wide audience they deserved. However, the story doesn't end there. The film also explores the band's resurrection in the decades that followed, as artists including R.E.M., the Replacements, and Jeff Buckley cited their influence, and a new generation of listeners discovered their songs.

The strength of "Big Star: Nothing Can Hurt Me" lies in its sincere and patient exploration of the narratives that make up the band's history. The film evokes a tangible sense of the borders that the band hoped to push, the success they longed for, and the personal and professional turmoil that they encountered along the way. The backdrop is not only the music industry in the 70s but also a Memphis rattled by social and cultural changes.

Incorporating an impressive array of archival material, including rare concert footage, personal photographs, and lost studio recordings, the documentary weaves together a poignant tale of promise, heartbreak, and the enduring power of art.

Overall, “Big Star: Nothing Can Hurt Me” is an essential documentary for all music lovers, regardless if you're a long-time fan or have never heard of Big Star. The film miraculously captures the arcane charisma of the band, telling an urgent and moving story about the price of fame, the fragility of life, and the profound influence of music that is as relevant now as it was when Big Star made their debut.

Through a series of twists and turns, the film encourages viewers to reflect on the ephemeral nature of success and the enduring resonance of creative integrity. Above all, it's a loving, deeply felt tribute to a band that dared to be different, and never let the world change them.