Penelope Spheeris's documentary on the punk-rock phenomenon in Los Angeles, or at least those aspects of it which can fit comfortably under her chosen title. "It's the only form of revolution left in the Eighties," philosophizes Robert Biggs, publisher of the punk organ, Slash. But on the evidence, it isn't clear whether the revolting (in both senses) punkers are protesting The Decline or hastening it. The fact that the songs seem to require subtitles in order that their lyrics be understood (on visual inspection, these do not stand up too well as literature) throws some doubt on their value as protest statements, and the very lively section in which hardcore fans are given the chance to articulate their own grievances ("Ugly old people, buses, dirt, and stuff") offers little reassurance. It might be worth inquiring to what extent Spheeris has put blinders on (and ear plugs in) to any sign of playfulness on the part of performers and/or fans. Groups include Black Flag, The Germs, X, and Fear. (1981) — Duncan Shepherd
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