Janis: Little Girl Blue (2015)
1h 46m | PG-13
Janis Joplin is one of the most respected and iconic rock & roll singers of all time, a tragic and misunderstood figure who captivated millions of listeners and blazed new creative trails before her death in 1970 at age 27. Director Amy Berg explored Joplin's story in depth. A portrait of a complicated, driven and often beleaguered artist. Joplin's own words recount a series of letters she wrote to her family over the years. Janis was a vessel of energy when she sang. Her rapid rise and untimely death changed music forever.
Director: Amy J. Berg
Studio: Jigsaw Productions
Genre: Documentary, Music
Video: 720p
Cast
Janis Joplin
as Herself (archive footage)
Cat Power
as Narrator (voice)
D. A. Pennebaker
as Himself
Dick Cavett
as Himself
Peter Albin
as Himself
Karleen Bennett
as Herself - Janis Joplin's childhood friend
Reviews
This was solid and very enjoyable. My lady and I are huge classic rock and blues aficionados, and we tend to especially enjoy biopics of great musicians, so when I found out this was out, it was a natural accompaniment with a big bottle of Chilean red wine for a date night indoors. Greatly talented yet ill-starred musicians that are quickly catapulted to superstardom only to die in hideous and tragic circumstances are particularly fascinating--and Janis Joplin certainly fits the bill. I'm not sure I've seen any other of Amy Berg's works, but this was very well thought out and made. I haven't seen any other films about Janis, but in seeing this I can't see how any other could be any more definitive. Now to see the recent ones on Chet Baker, Miles Davis and Jimi Hendrix...