I grew up as a Wayne’s World fan and always intended to explore the director Penelop Spheeris pre-Wayne’s World career, especially their trilogy of music documentaries under the banner title, The Decline Of Western Civilization. For the first film, The Decline Of Western Civilization (1981), Spheeris captures a time and place, the punk movement in Los Angeles of the late 1970s and early 1980s. I claim no knowledge about the punk scene at this time, so it was informative on that basis as it cuts together interviews with the bands, fans, promotors, critics and captures live performances from luminaries like Black Flag, Germs, Circle Jerks and X amongst others. What makes this documentary great to me (in contrast to docos now, particularly the type that might be produced by Netflix or HBO) is Spheeris’ approach. She and her crew are filming the gigs and capturing the energy of this scene; it is not a retrospective but is definitely of its moment. What also helps is Spheeris’ interview style, which is to ask questions off camera and keep the focus on her subjects. This helps to provide some critical distance that is helpful in watching it now decades later. As a director, Spheeris is open to the punk movement in a way the mainstream media at the time was not, who were probably viewing it as a public nuisance, a fad or a concern for the health and safety of the youth, so her questions are inquisitive and engaged. Yet Spheeris is not a mindless fan, and also asks some pointed questions, particularly of the aggression and violence within the scene. While an anti-authoritarian movement, the subculture documented is also wrapped up in its own sad problems with all of the sexism, racism, and homophobia on full display here. While a contemporary filmmaker might have explored these tangents further, particularly the presence of Black and Latino punks, musicians and fans, in a sub-culture that at times casually celebrates white power and Nazi paraphernalia. Still, it is a movie that vibrates with energy and power even as it leaves one feeling dejected and sad by what’s captured, despite some of the caustic performances. Definitely made me want to hear more of the Alice Bag Band! Available to stream in remastered quality on Tubi in Australia. Recommended.
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