Toronto – The legendary frontwoman of the Pretenders, Chrissie Hynde, finally allowed a single on‑camera interview for the first authorized documentary about her band. After years of persuasion, filmmaker Joss Crowley secured Hynde’s participation under strict ground rules: only one interview and minimal talking‑head segments.

The film, simply titled Pretenders, premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and is now available for purchase. Hynde, 75, emphasized that the project avoids the typical glossy, gushing style of many music biographies. She said she wanted a no‑nonsense portrait that reflects the band’s punk attitude without turning into a “women in rock” piece.

Hynde’s reluctant involvement

When asked about the documentary at a nearby hotel after the screening, Hynde expressed bemusement at being coaxed into talking about herself again. “You won’t go in my bathroom and see gold records on the wall,” she said. “I find it depressing looking back. I don’t revel in it at all.”

She added that she would not watch the finished film herself, preferring to let the story be told rather than someone else shaping it.

Creative choices and band philosophy

Hynde explained that the documentary avoids “gushing” commentary and focuses on the band’s music and history. She recalled the early days of rock as an anti‑establishment movement, noting that today’s “outlaw” image is often misunderstood. “We got into bands to get away from our families,” she said, underscoring the rebellious spirit that defined the era.

The director, Crowley, said he aimed to respect the music by letting it play without over‑analysis. He avoided studio‑level dissection, instead presenting archival footage and the band’s raw sound.

Reflections on today’s music landscape

Hynde observed how the music world has shifted, with younger generations glued to phones and commercial partnerships flooding the scene. She lamented the loss of the original anti‑establishment vibe, noting that “once ‘Revolution’ went into a Nike ad, the floodgates opened.”

She also rejected the notion of a “women in rock” focus, stating that gender emphasis would distract from the band’s artistic legacy.

The documentary offers fans a rare glimpse into the Pretenders’ story, filtered through Hynde’s uncompromising perspective and Crowley’s restraint from sensationalism.

Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.