The Decline of Western Civilization Part II: The Metal Years (1988)

I wanted to like it more than I actually did... But much of the humor totally escaped me and I walked out only mildly impressed.

If you're interested in the topic at hand, you should just watch it and judge yourself because the reviews have gone very biased by people that didn't even watch it and just hate (or love) the creator. I liked it, it was well written, narrated, and directed and it was about a topic that interests me.

Close shines in drama with strong language, adult themes.

Blistering performances.

I'm generally into rock and metal documentaries of famous bands. I came across this while looking for said music documentaries similar to Spinal Tap and this was a recommendation. After reading some reviews of my own it was portrayed as "funny" documentary. The only thing I found funny about this was looking 30 years into the past and the ridiculousness of it all. Now don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the documentary. The interviewer takes a step back and asks some tough questions of the interviewed bands. Showing some of the highs (KISS) but mostly lows and sometimes almost tragic (Chris Holmes). It's amazing some of the interviews with bands at the time that didn't go anywhere, however the belief that they had in themselves and the self denial is remarkable. The documentary also delves into the associated world of female groupies who thought it necessary to parade themselves in bikini contests (and their obvious lack of reality and self denial). That said, DAMN their was some fit bodies! I think the film was well worth watching for some of the bigger names: Ozzy Osbourne was pretty funny (when he was at least coherent), Lemmy was probably the most truthful about the scene and industry at the time, KISS (Gene Simmons and Paul Stanly) showing the pretentiousness of it all. Dave Mustane from Megadeths interview was interesting, considering the songs played and you can see the references back to and disdain of Metallica. Overall the film captures a very ridiculous point in time and music that will never be repeated and really should be watched by any music fan.

Before making crap comedies, Penelope Spheeris unearthed the facade of heavy metal in this absorbing look into the burgeoning growth of dream-seekers in LA(among other places of venue such as London and Detroit)rock scene. We hear from many well-known rock stars from such great bands as Aerosmith, Kiss, Ozzy, and Alice Cooper. But, it's those who we not expect that really impress(at least, me)the most. Particularly Dave Mustaine of Megadeth & Lemmy from Motorhead(when asked whether or not others should go after the chance to achieve as a rock star, Lemmy replies, "Go for it. Run it up the flag pole and see who salutes it.").The saddest part of the film is seeing the effects of alcoholism on Chris Holmes of Wasp. Spheeris deserves credit for not ducking away from truthful subjects such as the possibilities of failure, sexual effects that could possibly happen such as Aids, and how alcohol and drugs has absorbed many of their lives. The film also unflinchingly shows the roles of women in the rock scene whether they are trying to make it as rock stars, or as groupies. It's also kind of cool to see bands I listened to as a kid and teenager starting out in the LA scene as virtual pups.

As a former metal groupie (the horror!), when I saw this depiction of the lonely lives and substance-riddled minds of my heroes, it actually inspired me to go to college! It is a poignant, wistful, sad, and insightful look at a genre of music that instilled fear in the hearts of parents(well, at least in mine), and a venue for teens to unleash their anger toward a misunderstanding world.The best kind of musical documentary is always done best through the eyes of a true fan, and Penelope Spheeris is no exception. While to the casual viewer the film may seem shallow and all fluff (which is how the LA metal was widely portrayed), if one looks past the hair, excess, bravado, t & a, and flowing alcohol,it is easy to uncover the painfully lonely, opportunistic, naiveté' of the struggling bands, and even some of those who "made it." The scene with Chris Holmes guzzling vodka in his pool was simply heartbreaking...and the expressions on his mother's face were fully able to convey her harsh reality. Some of the "classic" performers... Aerosmith, Ozzy, and Lemmy were able to reflect on the business with some learned wisdom, while Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons attempted to convey a fantasy life that appeared way too scripted and laughable (I'm still a huge KISS fan, though). One interesting element in viewing the film almost 20 years later, is how some of the bands downplayed or sidestepped the issue of drug use (note the expressions on their faces when substances are discussed), then appear on "Behind the Music" years later to reveal their debilitating addictions.Having been involved peripherally in the scene for a few years, I can say that Spheeris' portrayal was 100% accurate based on what I witnessed. I would've liked to have seen the inclusion of other important bands of the LA scene (Motley Crue, Skid Row, etc), and a separate documentary highlighting British metal (Sabbath, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest)would've been fantastic.It was a fun, irreverent, and exciting time! I can look back at it and laugh since I emerged relatively unscathed... although I am somewhat embarrassed by the extraordinary heights of my hair and the plunging depths of my blouses in "86.

During the late 80's I was a teenage rocker obsessed with metal. I bought all the magazines, had the cassettes and draped my rooms with posters of rock stars. I had the metal shirts, leather jacket and requisite metal jewelry. Of course I had the long hair. I loved that time period and remember renting this movie and watching it over and over again. Every band seemed like they were having the time of their life with the drugs, girls and booze. It seemed that this scene was the IT scene back in the day. This movie has so many awesome scenes. It starts with the glam newcomers then goes into the veterans and ends with Dave Mustaine who is one of the only real people in this whole movie. Dave seems like he is into the scene to play music and not to score chicks or radio hits. Odin is great also as they insult and degrade women but are hounded by the metal sluts. The part where they are at Gazzaris "judging" a dance contest is hilarious. Odin in the jacuzzi with the sluts is great, "It's like we have a check for a million dollars but no bank to cash it in!" Ha! Paul Stanley is great as he is shown through an overhead camera on a giant bed with about 8 lingerie-clad sluts and he says, "Dont let anyone tell you you can't live like this. I do. If you want it, you do it." Great line. This movie is hilarious. I wish I could find this movie!!