Once upon a time in the rock 'n' roll universe, a band called Big Star dazzled the 70s with music that shimmered and screamed against the mainstream machine. This wasn't just any band; it was a crew of musical mavericks led by Alex Chilton and Chris Bell, whose knack for catchy, jangly songs created a sound that would resonate through decades. In 2012, the documentary "Big Star: Nothing Can Hurt Me" sought to unravel their story. Directed by Drew DeNicola and Olivia Mori, this film doesn't just commemorate a band; it resurrects an era and an unmistakable sound that revolutionized the rock 'n' roll blueprint.
This documentary dives headfirst into the heart of a band that somehow never reached commercial success yet became a cult sensation. Take a pinch of tragedy, mix it with the relentless pursuit of authenticity, and you’ll get Big Star. This film serves as a cultural touchstone, proving that true artistry transcends the bottom line, an idea that likely irks those obsessed with replacing art with commercialized mush—yes, I'm talking about the pop industry's liberal prophets.
The backbone of the documentary is its exhaustive yet enthralling narrative, bringing forward stories that only seasoned music lovers might have known. The film scoops you out of your cushy, manufactured music comfort zone and throws you into a narrative about glory unsung and potential untapped. What you have here are interviews with the band's original members and associates who paint a vibrant picture of Big Star's creative journey and turmoil.
When reflecting on Big Star's trials, one can't help but ponder societal choices in musical idolization. Where bands like Big Star struggled financially, flashy one-hit wonders thrived, not on musical merit but sheer marketability. So, what does that say about us? It calls into question the value we place on genuine art. This documentary is more than a reminiscence; it’s a jarring reminder about what's been lost in the digital music age, hijacked by auto-tunes and synthetic beats.
"Big Star: Nothing Can Hurt Me" challenges conventional thought processes about fame and artistry. A viewer can't help but recognize the contrast between the band's authentic sound and today's overproduced music business that prioritizes chart-topping simplicity over intricacy. The film encapsulates a time when bands had the guts to produce music on their own terms, not dictated by trends.
At the heart of Big Star were purists who played from the soul. Their songs were not just a cascade of notes. They were profound lyrical experiences. The way this documentary captures Big Star's music, you can practically hear their songs echoing through the years. "Thirteen" isn't just a tune—it's an intimate whisper, a melodic hug from the past. "September Gurls" isn't just a classic; it's an anthem for anyone who ever believed raw talent outshines flashiness.
The film captures the unique space Big Star occupies in music history, viewing their apparent failure as a profound strategic lesson, a guiding star for future musicians who refuse to compromise artistry for fame. Here’s looking at you, aspiring bands refusing to get lost in the cacophony of mass-produced mediocrity.
The story reveals how Big Star wrestled with the soul-crushing realities of the music business, believing that their raw sound and poetic prowess would eventually carve out their niche. Time proved them right. They might not have had platinum records, but they scored a devoted fandom and a lasting legacy, something quick-to-fade contemporary artists can only dream about.
"Big Star: Nothing Can Hurt Me" is more than just a documentary; it’s an ode to artistic integrity and the rebellious spirit of rock 'n' roll. It's one thing to have your music reverberate in the charts; it's another to have it resonate through time. The film immortalizes a sound that emerged in Muscle Shoals and Memphis amidst counterculture waves and relatable struggles.
Their story offers a lesson in perseverance, a homage to the times when you had to actually feel music. It’s this genuine emotional and intellectual depth that gets obliterated by today's mundane pop industry, peddling shallow scripts over clever riffs.
For all those who revere authenticity, "Big Star: Nothing Can Hurt Me" is a testament to the idea that true artistry does not need mainstream validation to be impactful. The film stirs up a thought-provoking dialogue about the battle between pre-packaged commercial success and true, heartfelt music. It’s a call to action, a reminder to seek beyond the polished hits and find raw genius.
No, Big Star never filled stadiums, but their songs filled hearts—a testament to their enduring appeal. This documentary ensures their story remains etched in history, a reminder of a band that, against the odds, claimed their indelible mark on music. "Nothing can hurt me," indeed, as Big Star's legacy refuses to be diminished by time or societal forgetfulness.