Cert 15
104 mins
BBFC advice: Contains strong language, drug references
I have to admit that Janis Joplin is one of the few well-known 60s singers whose history has completely passed me by.
Yes, I knew that she had been part of the dreaded 27 club (she was one of a host of celebrities who have died at the same age) but I could not name a single song by her.
So, is it a case of her being more famous for being dead? Not according to Amy Berg's film.
It shows how Joplin enjoyed success between the mid and late 1960s but always struggled to have control over her rollercoaster emotions.
This meant that she became a heavy drinker and user of heroin, the substance which was eventually responsible for her death.
Berg's documentary, which I caught on BBC iplayer, is a very personal view of the singer through the eyes of family and friends.
They talk warmly about her qualities but are also very honest about her insecurities and her need to seek solace in drink and drugs.
There is much footage of Joplin and contemporaneous letters of hers are read by singer Cat Power and there are also recent reflections from former band members and the likes of former chat show host, Dick Cavett, who suggests a romantic liaison with Joplin.
I suspect fans of Joplin will find this revealing and compelling. Even as someone who missed out on her music, I was entertained and left a little bit sad.
Reasons to watch: an insight into another of music's lost souls
Reasons to avoid: the many many references to drug-taking
Laughs: none
Jumps: none
Vomit: none
Nudity: on a photo, yes
Overall rating: 7/10
Star tweet
amy berg #Janisdoc had her own #SuperTuesday and is killing it in UK! Thanks #London - the hell with #DonaldTrump