Freakscene: The Story of Dinosaur Jr. is a documentary film that explores the formation, success, and eventual break-up of the influential American rock band, Dinosaur Jr. The film features interviews with the band members, including J. Mascis, Lou Barlow, and Murph, as well as other musicians who were influenced by the band, such as Henry Rollins, Sonic Youth's Thurston Moore, and The Flaming Lips' Wayne Coyne.
The filmmakers provide insight into the band's sound, which is characterized by Mascis's distinctive guitar playing and his use of heavy distortion, as well as the band's tumultuous personal dynamics. The documentary covers the band's early years, beginning with their formation in Amherst, Massachusetts in 1984, their signing to SST Records, and their first two albums, Dinosaur and You're Living All Over Me.
The film also covers the disputes and tensions between Mascis and Barlow, which led to Barlow's departure from the band in 1989. The band continued as a duo with Mascis and Murph releasing four more albums, including the critically acclaimed Bug, before they disbanded in 1997.
Freakscene: The Story of Dinosaur Jr. also covers the band's reunion in 2005, which saw the return of Barlow to the fold. The film follows the band on their reunion tour and features footage of their live performances.
Overall, Freakscene: The Story of Dinosaur Jr. provides an intimate look into the history and legacy of one of the most unique and influential American rock bands of the past three decades.