Watch Johnny Thunders - What About Me

Johnny Thunders – What About Me is a 1993 musical drama film that chronicles the life of Johnny Thunders, an American rock and roll guitarist, singer and songwriter. Directed by legendary British filmmaker, Lech Kowalski, the film features an ensemble cast, highlighted by Rachel Amodeo, Judy Carne, and Gregory Corso. The film begins with Johnny Thunders’ rise to fame as a member of the iconic New York Dolls in the early 1970s, and his eventual departure from the band. It then covers his work with the Heartbreakers and his solo career, while also delving into his heroin addiction, which ultimately led to his untimely death in 1991 at the age of 38.

Throughout the film, we see Thunders’ relationships with various people in his life, including his ex-girlfriend, Cynthia, who struggles with her own addiction to heroin, as well as his close friend and fellow musician, Jerry Nolan, who would also die of a heroin overdose just two years after Thunders.

One of the standout performances in the film is Rachel Amodeo as Cynthia, Thunders’ longtime girlfriend. Amodeo manages to capture the spirit of Cynthia, who was a colorful character in her own right, and does a great job of portraying the complexities of their relationship, which is at times both loving and destructive.

There are also memorable appearances by Judy Carne, who plays Thunders’ mother, and Gregory Corso, the poet who reads several of his works in the film. Corso’s readings serve as a powerful contrast to the chaotic world of Thunders, providing poetic commentary on the struggles of addiction and the heartbreak of lost love.

While the film is primarily focused on Thunders’ music career, it also sheds light on the turbulent music scene of the 1970s and ‘80s, particularly in New York City. We see Thunders’ interactions with other notable musicians of the time, including Dee Dee Ramone of the Ramones and Stiv Bators of the Dead Boys, and we get a sense of the camaraderie and competition that existed among these artists.

The film’s soundtrack is another one of its strengths, featuring a mix of live performances by Thunders and his bands, as well as interviews and audio recordings. The music ranges from punk and rockabilly to ballads and blues, showcasing the diverse range of Thunders’ talents.

Overall, Johnny Thunders – What About Me is an engaging and well-crafted tribute to one of rock’s most enigmatic figures. It offers a glimpse into the life of a troubled artist who produced some of the most influential music of his time, while also highlighting the toll that addiction and fame can take on a person. It’s a must-watch for fans of Thunders’ music and for anyone interested in the gritty, raw energy of New York City’s rock scene during the 1970s and ‘80s.

Johnny Thunders - What About Me is a 2011 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 25 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2.