Big Star: Nothing Can Hurt Me (2012)

Big Star: Nothing Can Hurt Me is a feature-length documentary film about the dismal commercial failure, subsequent massive critical acclaim, and enduring legacy of pop music's greatest cult phenomenon, Big Star.

Directors:

Drew DeNicola, Olivia Mori (co-director)

Stars:

Billy Altman, Jon Auer, Lester Bangs

Cast

Credited cast:
Billy Altman	...	Himself, writer
Jon Auer	...	Himself
Lester Bangs	...	Himself (archive footage)
Chris Bell	...	Himself (archive footage)
David Bell	...	Himself, Big Star guitarist Chris Bell's brother
Norman Blake	...	Himself
The Box Tops	...	Themselves (archive footage)
Panther Burns	...	Themselves (archive footage)
Cheap Trick	...	Themselves
Stephanie Chernikowski	...	Herself, photographer
Alex Chilton	...	Himself (archive footage)
Rick Clark	...	Himself, writer and musician
Stephen Ira Cohen	...	Himself, U.S. congressman (archive footage) (as Steve Cohen)
The Cramps	...	Themselves (archive footage)
John Dando	...	Himself, band manager, Ardent Studios 1972-1975

Storyline

BIG STAR: NOTHING CAN HURT ME is a feature-length documentary about legendary Memphis band Big Star. While mainstream success eluded them, Big Star's three albums have become critically lauded touchstones of the rock music canon. A seminal band in the history of alternative music, Big Star has been cited as an influence by artists including REM, The Replacements, Belle & Sebastian, Elliott Smith and Flaming Lips, to name just a few. With never-before-seen footage and photos of the band, in-depth interviews and a rousing musical tribute by the bands they inspired, BIG STAR: NOTHING CAN HURT ME is a story of artistic and musical salvation.

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Taglines:

The definitive story of the greatest band that never made it.

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Genres:

Documentary | Music

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for drug references and brief strong language

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

15 March 2012 (USA)

Also Known As:

Большая звезда: Ничто не может причинить мне боль

Filming Locations:

Memphis, Tennessee, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$15,096, 7 July 2013, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$105,030, 22 September 2013

Company Credits

Production Co:

September Gurls Productions,Ardent Studios,The Group Entertainment

Technical Specs

Runtime:

113 min

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1

Did You Know?

Goofs

When listing current artists that were influenced by Big Star, Elliott Smith is seen introducing a Big Star cover song on the Jon Brion Show with the date 1996. The show was not recored until 2000.

User Reviews

A Nice Tribute

Though never a huge Big Star fan, I liked their music enough and was curious enough about their story to order this movie On Demand. Not much to say except that it is a pretty typical rock doc: all the bases are covered, from their formation and rise, acclaimed but unprofitable albums, tough music industry breaks, eventual demise, and phoenix like rebirth after being rediscovered by a new generation of musicians and fans. The film drags in some spots mainly due to the sheer number of people interviewed, many of whom may have been integral to behind the scenes dealings, but really don't add a whole lot of insight to the band's personal story (though Jody Stephens and Andy Hummel are interviewed, the fact that Chris Bell and Alex Chilton, Big Star's creative heart and soul, are long gone, definitely hurts). Still, though artistically unremarkable, it is obvious this was a heartfelt, loving project to create. For all the film's shortcomings, you have to respect that.

The most touching scene: Mitch Easter's recollection of meeting his idol Chris Bell at the restaurant he was reduced to working at after leaving the band. You can't help but imagine what a humbling moment it must have been for such a talented artist.