Chrissie Hynde, frontwoman of the Pretenders, has participated in the first authorized documentary about the band, titled “Pretenders,” which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival. Known for her reluctance to revisit her past, Hynde agreed to one on-camera interview for the film but set firm boundaries to avoid clichéd narratives often associated with women in rock.

Hynde declined multiple interviews and resisted including extensive commentary, preferring a minimalist approach that steers clear of the typical “talking heads” format. She remains hesitant to view the finished documentary herself, citing her dislike for retelling personal stories and disapproving of the self-mythologizing that frequently surrounds rock musicians.

In candid remarks, Hynde challenged the glamorized image of rock bands, describing them as anti-establishment entities operating on the fringes of legality rather than the idealized familial units usually portrayed. Reflecting on the contemporary music scene, she observed how the spirit of rebellion that shaped earlier generations has diminished, replaced by self-promotion and commercial sponsorships that compromise artistic integrity.

The documentary also touches on the complex relationship Hynde and her peers had with drug culture. While she mourned the losses caused by widespread substance abuse, Hynde acknowledged that era’s cultural significance and the indelible impact it had on music and artistic expression.

Director Joss Crowley sought to create a film that honored the Pretenders’ music without dissecting it excessively or indulging in nostalgic excess. The resulting portrait aims to avoid clichés and excessive sentimentality, aligning with Hynde’s straightforward, no-nonsense punk ethos.

Hynde further dispelled notions of celebrity surrounding rock ’n’ roll, describing it simply as personality and expression manifested through music rather than an entity to be idolized. She also revealed some of the unwritten rules governing rock performance, such as the convention that bassists should not smile on stage, underscoring the contrast between public perceptions and the realities of musicians’ lives.

Overall, the documentary endeavors to offer an honest account of the Pretenders’ history, capturing both the band’s enduring legacy and Hynde’s distinctive attitude toward her career and the rock genre.