Don't Start Me Talkin: The Junior Wells Story

Junior Wells, who died in 1998, was a superb harmonica player and singer who enjoyed a long and fruitful association with guitarist Buddy Guy, had some great solo recordings ("Hoodoo Man Blues," "Messin' with the Kid"), and was a worthy successor to Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, and the other blues masters who preceded him. All of which comes across in Don't Start Me Talkin'--provided you're willing to hang in there long enough to get it. Hampered by poor continuity, too many talking heads (apparently the filmmakers failed to heed their own title), deadly dull voiceover narration, and a paucity of music, this 88-minute profile of Wells is half over before it takes off. After that, there's a lot more music, including a performance with Guy (whose partnership with Wells is memorably described by Dr, John as "Siamese twins, sideways") and a live version of "Hoodoo Man Blues."

Directed by —, Don't Start Me Talkin: The Junior Wells Story leans on a strong ensemble — Junior Wells, Buddy Guy — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about documentary titles of 2004.