‘Pretenders’ Review: Chrissie Hynde Doesn’t Enjoy Telling Her Story, But You Might Enjoy Watching It

"Pretenders," the documentary about the rock band of the same name, premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival. Director Joss Crowley, known for his work in documentaries and music films, aimed to capture the story of the band and its lead singer, Chrissie Hynde, who is known for her outspoken nature and reluctance to cooperate with traditional interviews.

Despite her initial reluctance, Hynde agreed to be filmed in her final interview session, which was conducted with her partially obscured by a large microphone. The film presents a tense dynamic between Hynde and the filmmakers, with Hynde occasionally expressing her discomfort with the process. Hynde's story begins in Akron, Ohio, where she witnessed the city's decline and became involved in the rebellious youth scene.

After moving to London, she found success with the Pretenders, who released their debut album in 1979, featuring hit songs like "Brass in Pocket" and "Back on the Chain Gang." However, the band faced challenges, including drug addiction and the tragic deaths of two band members. Hynde's interview in the film reveals her mixed feelings about the experience, stating, "I never feel proud of anything.

I always think, Oh, we got away with it." Despite the film's conventional structure and reliance on archival footage and talking-head interviews, it still manages to capture the essence of the Pretenders and their era, making it a compelling watch for fans of the band and those interested in the music industry's inner workings.