Scarred But Smarter: Life N Times Of Drivin' N' Cryin'

Scarred But Smarter: Life N Times Of Drivin' N' Cryin' is a 2012 documentary directed by Eric Von Haessler, exploring the notorious and oft-underappreciated southern rock band, Drivin N Cryin, which has been cranking out music since the mid-80s. Led by initial founding members Kevn Kinney and Tim Nielsen, the band has had a revolving door of musicians over the years. The band has had its fair share of ups and downs but has always managed to keep its roots alive, no matter how unpredictable the music business can be. Central figures in the film include Peter Buck, Mac Carter, and Van Buren Fowler.

One of the most engaging aspects of the film is the exploration of the band's beginnings, their style's evolution, and the various career hurdles they've had to overcome. Kinney, originally a folk musician from Milwaukee, had relocated to Atlanta in the 80s and started the band with Nielsen. Together, they created a sound blending elements of punk rock, country, and folky singer-songwriter stylings. This merging of musical styles associated with Drivin N Cryin had always made it hard for the industry to categorize them, often leading to them being overlooked for both significant record deals and mainstream radio play.

However, this lack of clear categorization is what the band hangs its hat on and is a distinguishing character, making Drivin N Cryin what it is today. Kinney's song-themed lyrics that reflect his personal life stories and the Southernesque rock n roll sound of the band are highlighted and given appreciation in the documentary. The film uses a combination of interviews with band members and those close to them, archival footage, and dynamic live performances, allowing us to get a sneak peek into what makes Drivin N Cryin unique.

The documentary features Peter Buck, REM's guitarist and long-time friend of Kinney, who shares his perceptions of the band and the ways in which they fought to maintain their identity in the face of music industry pressures. His insights provide a look at the broader context of the 80s and 90s music scene and the challenges and opportunities it presented to Drivin N Cryin.

The film also delves into the relationships within the band, specifically highlighting the role of guitarist Mac Carter and drummer Van Buren Fowler, whose contributions heavily influenced the sound direction of the group. Through them, we hear about the creative tensions, challenges, and camaraderie that have shaped the band through the years.

Scarred But Smarter is a catchy title and encapsulates the story and journey of the band perfectly. It conveys the sentiment of a group that has seen it all, been knocked around by the industry and yet remained true to their musical vision. The challenges the band faces, both internal and external, are presented in an in-depth and thoughtful way, making Scarred But Smarter as much an introspective character study as it is a music documentary.

Visual storytelling is essential in this film, with Von Haessler demonstrating a keen eye for compelling shots. The documentary is beautifully filmed, with a variety of locations, lighting, and camera angles that effectively capture the feeling and atmosphere around the story of Drivin N Cryin. It creates a dynamic and engaging viewing experience for the audience, whether or not they are long-time fans or new listeners discovering the band for the first time.

Ultimately, Scarred But Smarter: Life N Times Of Drivin' N' Cryin' is more than just a documentary about a band. It's a study of the grit, determination, and passion needed to persevere in the rough-and-tumble world of rock 'n' roll. The film beautifully connects the dots between the band's past and current standing, creating a full picture of their journey and highlighting their extraordinary dedication to their craft and each other. This portrayal of Drivin N Cryin is at once touching and inspirational, cementing the impression of a band that indeed lives up to the expression of being 'scarred but smarter'.