Just when we thought everything that could be said and written about late Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain had been said and written, along comes this fascinating documentary offering more.

"Kurt Cobain: About a Son" offers lengthy takes from some 25 hours of audio interviews Cobain did with music journalist Michael Azerrad in 1994, a sprawling talk that allows Cobain to discuss his youth in Aberdeen, Wash., in detail, including the psychological and physical pains that shaped his outlook on himself and the world, and in turn shaped his music. The interviews also cover the sudden explosion of Nirvana in 1990, the massive fame and critical acclaim. Cobain discusses the difficulties in coping with such attention.

Nirvana, led by Cobain, was an extraordinary band that spirited rock away from the bland, corporate dance junk and balladry that pockmarked the '80s charts, and returned it to a grungy, underground sound blending punk and hard rock while maintaining a melodic pull. In "Kurt Cobain: About a Son," Cobain discusses how his musical interests and ideas were shaped by a sometimes troubled childhood that included bouts of manic depression.

Mostly, though, at the time of these interviews Cobain seems confident, sure of himself, even if we sense -- based on what we know now -- his optimism won't last. Using footage of people and places in Aberdeen, Olympia and Seattle, the film goes for the less obvious, with no footage of Cobain or Nirvana, and none of his music. It has a sort of soft, artsy flair, moving and memorable images of Northwest people and places used to match the mood of Cobain's words. It's an interesting and revealing trip.

B+

"Kurt Cobain: About a Son"

Director: A.J. Schnack

Studio: Balcony Releasing

Rated: NR

RT: 97 minutes