Scarred But Smarter: Life N Times Of Drivin' N' Cryin' is a documentary film that explores the rise and fall of the alternative rock band Drivin' N' Cryin' from Atlanta, Georgia. The film features interviews with band members, music industry insiders, and fans, alongside archival footage and live performances. The film begins with the band's formation in the mid-1980s, when singer and guitarist Kevn Kinney, bassist Tim Nielsen, and drummer Jeff Sullivan came together to make music that blended the Southern rock of Lynyrd Skynyrd and the punk energy of The Clash. They quickly gained a following in Atlanta's alternative music scene and signed to the major label Island Records for their third album, Mystery Road.
Mystery Road and its hit single "Straight to Hell" brought Drivin' N' Cryin' national attention and critical acclaim, but also put them at odds with their label, which wanted them to make more commercial music. The band responded by releasing a series of experimental albums that alienated some fans but earned them a cult following.
As the band's popularity waned in the 1990s, Kinney began to struggle with addiction and personal problems. This led to him firing Sullivan and Nielsen and continuing on as a solo artist. The film explores this period in Kinney's life and career, as well as the eventual reunion of the original lineup in 2001.
Throughout the film, we hear from a range of voices who reflect on the band's significance and legacy. These include members of other Atlanta bands such as R.E.M.'s Peter Buck and the Indigo Girls, as well as music industry figures like Island Records founder Chris Blackwell and Rolling Stone critic David Fricke.
The film also delves into the cultural and political context of Drivin' N' Cryin's music. During the 1980s and 1990s, Atlanta was experiencing rapid growth and social change, and the band's music captured the diverse, conflicted spirit of the city. They also used their platform to advocate for causes like environmentalism and social justice.
Overall, Scarred But Smarter: Life N Times Of Drivin' N' Cryin' is a compelling and insightful look at a band that helped define a moment in Southern music history. It captures both the highs and lows of their career, and celebrates their enduring legacy as an influential voice in alt-rock.
Scarred But Smarter: Life N Times Of Drivin' N' Cryin' is a 2016 music movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 45 minutes.
It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.7.
