It has to be said that coming so soon after Asif Kapadia’s acclaimed Amy, which has set a high bar for musical bio docs, Berg’s film feels more ordinary and by-the-numbers. But baby boomers will shed a tear for this little girl lost and thrill to her rare musical power, while whippersnappers who know naught of Janis should check her out.
Although packed with compelling archive footage, this never quite gets into Joplin's head, heart or soul.
The singer emerges from Amy Berg’s documentary as a raw and uncompromising talent, who became ruled by applause and addicted to heroin.
Amy J Berg's portrait of Janis Joplin is moving and well researched – a cautionary tale of a rock star cut down in her prime.
An intelligent, insightful and very personal portrait of an artist.
Poignant archive footage shows Janis Joplin as both timid and triumphant in this engrossing documentary.
Leaves you feeling her loss by celebrating her complicated life in a way that's human and cliche free.
General release. Check local listings for show times.