The Decline of Western Civilization (1981)

Genre: Documentary

Directed by: Penelope Spheeris

Cast: Alice Bag Band, Black Flag, Circle Jerks, Catholic Discipline, Fear, Germs, X

Time: 100 minutes

Shot over the course of 1979 and 1980, this first installment of the Decline of Western Civilization trilogy deals with the punk rock scene of Los Angeles, which was big thing at that point. We hear performances from such bands as Alice Bag Band, Black Flag, Circle Jerks, Catholic Discipline, Fear, Germs and X. Various band members are also interviewed, sharing their views. The team of Slash magazine, punk fans and club owners were also interviewed.

This film is a wonderful snapshot of a very important subculture of the early 1980’s that was not getting much attention from the mainstream. It is raw, violent, vulgar and dirty, just like punk rock naturally is. Though I’m not a punk at heart, I’ve always appreciated the music, which is fast and rugged and has something to say.

Rating: «««««