Hit So Hard

Year: 2012

Runtime: 103 min

Language: English

Director: P. David Ebersole

BiographyMusicDocumentary

The arrival of Nirvana in 1991 dramatically reshaped the music scene, propelling young musicians to global recognition. This rapid ascent, however, was cut short by the untimely deaths of several key figures, including Kurt Cobain, marking the end of an era. The film explores the experiences of Patty Schemel, Hole’s drummer and an openly gay woman who unexpectedly found herself immersed in the whirlwind of fame. Through candid interviews and personal footage, her story reveals both the excitement of meteoric success and the pain of a devastating downfall.

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As the curtain rises on this captivating cinematic biography, we are swept into the chaos of Hole’s world tour from 1994 to 1995—a journey that ultimately reveals the formative years of drummer Patty Schemel. Our story begins in Marysville, Washington, where we see her discovering her passion for music and slowly revealing her identity as a lesbian to her family. This introspective exploration is accompanied by her deep dive into the vibrant music scene of Seattle, where she would soon meet the iconic Kurt Cobain, laying the groundwork for her involvement with Hole.

Through candid interviews with Schemel’s bandmates, including Courtney Love, Eric Erlandson, and Melissa Auf der Maur, we gain insight into the early days of Hole. We witness her auditioning in Los Angeles during the chaos of the Rodney King riots, as well as her time living with Love and her husband, Cobain. The collaboration between Love, Schemel, and Erlandson is also showcased, revealing the creative chemistry that defined their music.

As we transition to the events following Kristen Pfaff’s tragic passing in 1994, Hole embarks on a tumultuous world tour with Auf der Maur stepping in as Pfaff’s replacement. This period marks a critical turning point for Schemel, who seeks solace in heroin and ultimately parts ways with her girlfriend—who happens to be Love’s personal assistant on the tour. Schemel’s time in a rehabilitation facility alongside Love serves as a poignant reminder of her struggles during this chaotic phase of her life.

In 1998, Hole enters the studio to record their third album, Celebrity Skin, an experience that leads to Schemel’s departure from the band. The decision to replace her with a session drummer, influenced by producer Michael Beinhorn, signals the beginning of a troubling rift between Schemel and her former bandmates.

Amidst her difficult journey, Schemel battles addiction, leading her deeper into crack-cocaine use. Her downward spiral results in two harrowing years living on the streets of Los Angeles, during which she maintains only sporadic contact with Love.

The film’s second half chronicles Schemel’s arduous path towards recovery, as she reconnects with her former bandmates and reignites her love for animals. Her marriage to Christina Soletti and the opening of her animal boarding and dog walking business become beacons of hope, highlighting a life once overshadowed by chaos.

Ultimately, Schemel emerges as a symbol of resilience, finding fulfillment in teaching drum lessons and paving her way towards redemption.

Last Updated: November 19, 2024 at 20:06

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