Watch Kurt Cobain: About a Son

Kurt Cobain: About a Son is a powerful, introspective look into the life of the legendary Nirvana frontman. Directed by AJ Schnack, the film is a raw and unflinching portrait of Cobain, as told through a series of intimate interviews conducted by journalist Michael Azerrad. Rather than relying on archival footage or flashy reenactments, the film uses a montage of still images to accompany Cobain's own words about his life, music, and struggles. And what words they are; Cobain is alternately candid, witty, nostalgic, and melancholy, as he recounts his childhood in Aberdeen, WA, his rise to fame, his marriage to Courtney Love, and his ongoing battle with addiction and depression.

While the film provides a wealth of insights into Cobain's creative process and musical influences, it is perhaps most powerful in its portrayal of his inner turmoil. Cobain speaks openly about his feelings of alienation and despair, and the film is shot and edited in a way that underscores the raw emotion of his words. Viewers get a sense of the deep sadness and pain that eventually led to Cobain's untimely death.

But the film is not solely a study in tragedy. It celebrates Cobain's creative spirit and passion for music, and gives viewers a sense of the man behind the iconic grunge persona. There are moments of levity and humor interspersed with the heavier material, as Cobain relates stories about his misadventures on the road and the awkwardness of suddenly finding himself a cultural icon.

While the film is anchored by Cobain's absorbing and insightful commentary, it also benefits from the contributions of other voices. Azerrad provides context and commentary throughout the film, and the occasional appearance by a friend or colleague helps flesh out the picture of Cobain's life and personality.

One particularly memorable sequence features footage of Cobain's journal entries, set against a haunting instrumental score. The pages showcase Cobain's literary skill and give viewers an unfiltered glimpse into his thoughts and emotions.

The film also benefits from its stunning visuals. Shot primarily in the Pacific Northwest, the film showcases the haunting beauty of the region's landscape. The still images used to accompany Cobain's words are often breathtaking, and help to evoke the mood and atmosphere of his story.

Ultimately, Kurt Cobain: About a Son is a tribute to a complex and fascinating figure. It honors his legacy while resisting the urge to mythologize him. By allowing Cobain to speak for himself, the film provides an intimate and authentic portrait of a troubled artist who left an indelible mark on the world.

Fans of Nirvana and Kurt Cobain will find plenty to appreciate in this film, but it is also a powerful and accessible exploration of creativity, fame, and the human condition. It is a testament to the power of documentary filmmaking and a stirring tribute to a musical icon.

Kurt Cobain: About a Son is a 2007 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 37 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2 and a MetaScore of 69.