Chrissie Hynde has long been defined by a paradox: she is at once a fierce rocker and a cerebral songwriter, gnarly yet guarded. Joss Crowley’s new documentary, “Pretenders,” delves into this duality, presenting a sensational and revealing portrait of the band formed in London in 1978. The film highlights how Hynde emerged from the punk scene, joining forces with musicians who brought both ferocity and melodic sophistication to the emerging new wave era.
The documentary emphasizes that while tracks like “Precious” carry the high-speed aggression of punk, the Pretenders’ true legacy lies in their tunefulness. Lead guitarist James Honeyman-Scott is credited with defining the “jangly guitar” sound that distinguished the band. Hynde, described as the most romantic songwriter of her scene, crafted songs that transcended the nihilism of the punk era, conjuring a majestic sense of life rather than merely writing love songs.
Built on extensive archival footage and a lengthy interview with Hynde, the film explores her origins in Akron, Ohio. Born in 1951, Hynde found her conservative upbringing stifling and was profoundly affected by the Kent State shootings in 1970. After moving to London, she worked as a music critic for New Musical Express but struggled to find a band that would accept her. Early demos reveal a fully formed artistic vision, leading her to form the Pretenders with bassist Pete Farndon, guitarist James Honeyman-Scott, and drummer Martin Chambers.
Hynde is portrayed as a dominant stage presence who broke barriers for women in rock without necessarily embracing the labels of feminist or pioneer. She maintained a disciplined performance style while navigating the excesses of rock celebrity. The film also touches on her personal complexities, including her long-standing vegetarianism and her fascination with biker culture.
The documentary does not shy away from the band’s tragic decline. Farndon’s heroin addiction led to his dismissal in June 1982. Just two days after being fired, Honeyman-Scott died of a heart attack at age 25 after a period of heavy cocaine use. The loss devastated the group, effectively ending the classic lineup.
At 75, Hynde appears candid and unvarnished in the film. Despite her status as a rock icon who smashed through industry barriers, she remains reserved about her legacy, often deflecting praise or ideological categorization. “Pretenders” presents her as a complex figure whose music continues to resonate for its timeless quality and emotional depth.
Seventy-five and still breaking barriers! Hynde’s discipline versus the rock excess is such a compelling contrast. Can’t wait to watch this.
Another rock doc relying on archival footage feels a bit safe. I wonder if Crowley brings enough new insight, or just repackages what we already know?
I was surprised by how much Hynde’s Ohio roots shaped her perspective. The Kent State mention adds such important context to her punk drive.
James Honeyman-Scott was truly underrated. His guitar work defined their sound. This documentary really highlights his brilliance.