Tomorrow night Studio Movie Grill CityCentre will screen The Secret to a Happy Ending, director Barr Weissman's new feature-length documentary about the Georgia-based rock outfit Drive-By Truckers. The critically acclaimed yet lesser-known band was courted by Weissman for over a year to allow him access to the group, and the director captured some dramatic footage, chronicling the band's near split-up. It includes the requisite interviews with bandmates that all rock docs lean on to render the distinct and often at-odds personalities at play.
Rock docs often follow the trajectory of groups that struggle, peak and fall apart (see possibly every Behind the Music episode), or they dwell on the aftermath of success and the road to recovery (the fascinating Metallica: Some Kind of Monster). But fame doesn't corner the market on compelling stories--there are just as many about cult bands and musicians that may not have achieved widespread success. Their impact and influence are what make them enduring. Here are our five favorites.
5. Pavement: Slow Century Lance Bangs' 2002 doc chronicles the rise and (amicable) demise of indie rock's critics' darlings. Highlights include commentary by Sonic Youth's Thurston Moore and footage of a disastrous set at the final Lollapalooza tour.
