Bad Reputation (2018)

Bad Reputation Poster

The life and career of rock n' roll icon Joan Jett from her early years ripping it up onstage as the founder and backbone of hard-rock legends The Runaways, to her long time collaboration with Kenny Laguna as Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, and her enduring presence in pop culture as a rock pioneer and mentor. With her inimitable singles "I Love Rock n Roll," and "Bad Reputation" Joan Jett inspired a generation of young women to rock.

Background
"Bad Reputation" is a 2018 American documentary film based on the life of Joan Jett, an American rock vocalist, songwriter, and producer who became popular for her deal with Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, especially as the diva. Kevin Kerslake directs this exploration of the rock legend's life, sprinkling interviews with archival video footage to portray her journey.

Plot Summary
The movie starts, illuminating Jett's life, starting with her early years in a conservative suburban area where her love for rock was cultivated. She then launches The Runaways, an all-female teen rock band, with close friend and drummer, Sandy West. The band was ahead of their time, and they dealt with this trailblazing function in the male-dominated rock industry together with their youth.

"Bad Reputation" narrates how Jett perseveres regardless of the collapse of The Runaways and goes on to form Joan Jett & The Blackhearts. She collaborates with songwriter and manufacturer Kenny Laguna. This partnership results in smashing hits, especially the cover of the Arrows' tune "I Love Rock 'n Roll", which holds the # 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for seven weeks.

Joan Jett's Influence
Joan Jett's influence on the rock genre and her continuous battle versus sexism in music is a substantial style in the documentary. It looks into how Jett's brand of no-nonsense, hard-hitting rock and roll motivated an entire generation of female rockers. A number of artists, including Debbie Harry, Iggy Pop, Miley Cyrus, and Billie Joe Armstrong, have actually featured providing insights into how considerable Jett's contributions have been to the music market.

Individual Struggles and Success
Beyond music, "Bad Reputation" also explores Jett's personal struggles and her fight for acknowledgment and regard in a predominantly male market. It highlights her perseverance in the middle of personal and professional losses, consisting of band members' death and the market's dismissive attitude towards her music. However, Jett's determination and skill ultimately lead her to industrial and critical success, solidifying her status as a rock icon.

Reception
"Bad Reputation" has actually been extensively gotten as a striking testament to Joan Jett's considerable cultural effect. Critics have praised the film's intimate examination of Jett's expert low and high and the personal perseverance at its core. It provides Joan as an empowering female figure in a male-dominated industry, a lady unashamed of who she is or the music she plays.

Conclusion
This documentary informs the audience on Joan Jett's journey, her resilience, and her long-lasting influence on rock music. Her rebellious spirit made her a pioneering force that altered the story for women in rock, and "Bad Reputation" strongly encapsulates this. The film works as both a thrilling rockumentary and an extensive exploration of a transformative artist and trendsetter in the music industry. It, therefore, provides both fans and newcomers intimate access to the life and profession of a rock 'n roll legend.

Top Cast

  • Joan Jett (small)
    Joan Jett
    Self
  • Kenny Laguna
    Self
  • Billie Joe Armstrong (small)
    Billie Joe Armstrong
    Self
  • Debbie Harry (small)
    Debbie Harry
    Self
  • Miley Cyrus (small)
    Miley Cyrus
    Self
  • Kathleen Hanna (small)
    Kathleen Hanna
    Self
  • Iggy Pop (small)
    Iggy Pop
    Self
  • Kristen Stewart (small)
    Kristen Stewart
    Self
  • Nikki Haley
    Self
  • Pete Townshend (small)
    Pete Townshend
    Self
  • Rodney Bingenheimer
    Self