The Decline of Western Civilization is a documentary trilogy directed by Penelope Spheeris.
WHAT HAPPENS?
Director Penelope Spheeris documents the Los Angeles punk culture starting in 1981, then traces its metal evolution in the late 80’s before following a group of homeless teens in the 90s. The three documentaries capture the spirit of rebellion along with the desperate need for community.
ONE LINE REVIEW
The raw energy and hopeless despair of wayward youths is brilliantly chronicled.
THE ACTORS
The documentaries feature a series of punk kids answering open-ended questions. As the questions progress, the kids’ answers reveal more honesty about how their life situations connect to the music being profiled. It’s interesting to view the progression throughout the documentaries.
There’s a sense of anger and despair in the first installment, but also a youthful innocence that has seemingly vanished by the last of the series. The middle documentary focusing on metal bands is a bit of an anomaly – as successful, mainstream groups are featured, along with fans who don’t fit the punk profile.
Of course, the stars of the documentaries are the bands – some good (Fear, X, Circle Jerks, Faster Pussycat), some terrible (Odin, London) and some that were more spectacle (Germs, Naked Aggression) than band. Offstage, the most intriguing moments come at their respective squats and homes. There’s a fine line between Darby Crash and Ozzy Osbourne respectively making breakfast.
THE DIRECTOR
The rapport Spheeris develops with dozens of kids – most who have survived tragic relationships with adults – is remarkable. Initially, the kids put up defenses, but relent as the interviews progress. For some, it’s a rare chance to express themselves or let down their guard. While the questions are probing, they are rarely judgmental. In the second installment, the tone shifts as several musicians discuss the destructive effects of fame – yet the same open-ended, encouraging environment exists.
THE BEST – Cooking Eggs
There are a few recurring themes throughout the documentaries but this may be my favorite. Darby Crash, Ozzy Osbourne and a “gutter punk” all fix eggs for breakfast (Darby and Ozzy add bacon). It’s an interesting comparison – as all three begin their days in a similar fashion – and only a fine line exists between Darby and Ozzy. Ozzy is enduring rehab while Darby unfortunately is spiraling to his end.
THE BEST Part 2 – Ozzy’s Wink and a Nod
The extended sequence in Ozzy’s kitchen reveals a lot about the metal legend. He is decidedly slowing down, in rehab and surprisingly domesticated (spilled orange juice aside). He talks about the business end of metal (a major theme throughout the second documentary) and when casually asked if “he worships the devil”, Ozzy gives a sly nod and says “yes” – as if he’s in on the joke.
THE BEST Part 3 – Pat Smear
The most famous of the anonymous punk faces interviewed in Part 1 belongs to the Nirvana and Foo Fighters’ guitarist.
THE BEST Part 4 – The Germs Manager
Also winner of the award for World’s Worst Job, this poor manager is the definition of exasperated. Trying to book an uncooperative band where the lead singer forgets to use the microphone is a herculean task. I was incredibly happy when the epilogue revealed that she finally gave up.
THE BEST Part 5 -Billy Zoom
Billy didn’t seem to completely fit with the rest of the band X. He presented an aloof demeanor but one also focused on his music. One of my favorite lines is when asked why he didn’t have any tattoos, he replies: “I don’t want to be trendy.” His boring nature and originality – including his wide-legged guitar playing stance – is striking in a scene known for its shock appeal. His rockabilly-inspired guitar playing is another unique aspect of his personality.
THE BEST Part 6 -Sex Obsessed Juveniles
In simple terms, metal bands are comprised of a bunch of generally good-natured idiots who generally want one thing out of life. The emotional depth dug from Part One’s punk interviews is replaced by a series of dick jokes in Part Two.
THE BEST Part 7 -Metal French Horns
The lead singer of Naked Aggression turns in some impassioned performances – highlighting social injustice and the hypocrisy of government and police. She wields a savage intensity on-stage, which is countered off-stage as she blows some notes into a French Horn.
THE WORST – Where Will You Be In Five Years?
As the documentaries progress, this question takes on a more somber tone. The punks in Part One still reveal some hope for their future, while Part Two’s metalheads are essentially out to lunch. However, the final installment sees the dread and reality sink in. Too many of the kids respond: “I’ll be dead in five years.”
THE WORST Part 2 – The How in the Hell is This Guy Still Alive?? Award
Chris Holmes of WASP wins this award in a walk. Barely coherent, Holmes guzzles Smirnoff as the wreckage of his success pours out of him. There are a few moments of genuine introspection, which are quickly dashed by more alcohol. It’s a small miracle Holmes has survived this long.
THE WORST Part 3 – Homophobia
Even the most genuine of the lost kids profiled casually use homophobic slurs – along with several of the androgynous metalheads.
THE WORST Part 4 – The Gazzarri Contest
Gazzarri is an 80-year old promoter shamelessly offering a thousand dollars to the winner of a metal beauty contest – yet he calls out his contestants for not keeping things “classy” as they frolic on the stage in a pseudo-strip show.
THE WORST Part 5 – Odin’s Lead Singer’s Assless Pants
This could be a reason why this band was unsigned.
FOX FORCE FIVE RATING – Part One 4/5, Part Two 3/5, Part Three 4/5
The Decline of Western Civilization offers extraordinary access into a unique sub-culture – one where isolated kids try to form a community. Taken as a whole, it’s interesting to see the music from this culture evolve, but more fascinating and ultimately tragic to witness the deterioration of vulnerable kids over twenty years of societal decline.
