The Decline of Western Civilization Part III (1998)

User Rating:

7.8/10   

Director:

Penelope Spheeris

Release Date:

13 November 1998 (USA)

Genre:

Documentary

Plot Keywords:

Punk | Third Part | Sequel | Homelessness | Independent Film

Awards:

2 wins & 1 nomination

Cast

Stephen Chambers	...	Himself
Flea
Gary Fredo	...	Himself (LAPD)
Michael Orr	...	Pinwheel
Rick Wilder	...	Himself (The Mau-Maus)

Runtime:

86 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Filming Locations:

Los Angeles, California, USA

Company:

Spheeris Films Inc.

Movie Connections:

Follows The Decline of Western Civilization (1981)

Death of Punk?

Before seeing this movie, i heard a bit of hype that it was the bell tolling the end of Punk. Now, i wouldn't attribute it with that kind of importance, but in defense of that statement, the music of the bands depicted in this installment of the "Decline of Western Civilization" series, pales in comparison to the music of the bands featured in the first of the series, (i.e. the Germs, the Circle Jerks). But, it must be said that this movie is more about the lives of a handful of homeless punks in LA. It is a touching film, despite Penelope Spheeris' constantly embarrassing and exploitive interviewing techniques. The punks in the film are too interesting to be exploited to the point of their own embarrassment, however, but i couldn't help but want to see their lives documented by a better, more trustworthy director.