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Janis: Little Girl Blue

Janis: Little Girl Blue

Documentary · Music · 2015

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.

Movie details

Janis: Little Girl Blue

2015 Documentary · Music 1h 46m

Critical arithmetic

One number, for now.

TMDB

7.3 / 10

Community rating

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.

CriticWise case file

What this film says about your taste.

Not a recommendation score. A measure of how closely the film’s taste signals resemble yours.

The archetype split

Who fights over Janis: Little Girl Blue?

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Names above the title

The people responsible.

Directed by

Amy J. Berg

Written by

Amy J. Berg

Janis Joplin

Janis Joplin

Herself (archive footage)

Cat Power

Cat Power

Narrator (voice)

D. A. Pennebaker

D. A. Pennebaker

Himself

Dick Cavett

Dick Cavett

Himself

Peter Albin

Peter Albin

Himself

K

Karleen Bennett

Herself - Janis Joplin's childhood friend

L

Laura Joplin

Herself - Janis Joplin's sister

Court is in session

Put Janis: Little Girl Blue on trial.

Two incompatible taste archetypes. One film. Read the arguments, then issue a completely binding cultural ruling.

The defence The Prestige Tourist

“Ambition earns the room.”

The film reaches for consequence and scale, accepting the risk of seriousness instead of shrinking from it.

The prosecution The Popcorn Loyalist

“Importance has entered the chat.”

The production keeps announcing its significance, as though awards-season posture were proof of insight.