American Hardcore (2006)

The History of American Punk Rock 1980-1986

Director:

Paul Rachman

Writers:

Steven Blush (book), Steven Blush

Stars:

Greg Ginn, Ian MacKaye, James Drescher

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Lucky Lehrer	...	Self
Vic Bondi	...	Self
Joe Keithley	...	Self (as Joey 'Shithead' Keithley)
Keith Morris	...	Self
Angie Sciarappa	...	Self
Nancy Barile	...	Self
Mike Watt	...	Self
David Markey	...	Self (as Dave Markey)
Jordan Schwartz	...	Self
Howard Saunders	...	Self
Perry Webb	...	Self
Ian MacKaye	...	Self
Bobby Steele	...	Self
Greg Hetson	...	Self
Richard 'Crispy' Crammer	...	Self

Storyline

Inspired by Steven Blush's book "American Hardcore: A tribal history" Paul Rachman's feature documentary debut is a chronicle of the underground hardcore punk years from 1979 to 1986. Interviews and rare live footage from artists such as Black Flag, Bad Brains, Minor Threat, SS Decontrol and the Dead Kennedys.

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Plot Keywords:

interview | punk rock | hollywood | new york city | teen angst | 

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Genres:

Documentary | History | Music

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for pervasive language including sex and drug references

Did You Know?

Trivia

Despite this movie talking about how Reagan's presidency gave inspiration to the whole hardcore punk scene, New York Hardcore Punk band Reagan Youth is nowhere to be heard in this documentary.

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Connections

References This Is Spinal Tap (1984)

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Soundtracks

Can't Decide
(Demo Version)
Written by Greg Ginn
Performed by Black Flag
SST Records
© Cesstone Music (BMI) 1982
Used by Permission

User Reviews

Completely Awesome !

You would go out at night with a friend or two, look for some no name building where you would see a couple of punks hanging outside, go inside, pay your $6.00 and walk through a door or a small hallway, go down the stairs and feel the heat & smell the sweat, and then the assault of noise would fill the "club". In L.A. it could be the Cathy De Grand with D.R.I. or the Circle Jerks at the Sunset Ballroom with Youth Brigade, or, well it didn't matter who you went to see, you just had to get there and be a part of it. It was 90 MPH music coming at you with every possible watt there was. It was Loud,Fast, and Relentelss. That is Hardcore punk rock. When the bands were done, you gathered yourself, took a deep breath, looked yourself over to make sure you were all there, and you walked outside to get some fresh air. You survived another show. As the cars drove past, you laughed at yourself thinking, No one know's what just went on inside here. Well, This movie lets you inside. It's the real deal. When I watched some of the videos of the bands playing, I could not help myself from belting out some of the words from these great songs. This is American Hardcore the way I remember it. Great job on telling this story.

Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

21 January 2006 (USA)

Also Known As:

American Hardcore: The History of American Punk Rock 1980 - 1986

Filming Locations:

Boston, Massachusetts, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$18,102, 24 September 2006

Gross USA:

$279,665

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$376,057

Company Credits

Production Co:

AHC Productions, Envision Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

100 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Black and White Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1