The Decline of Western Civilization

1981, Documentary, 1h 40m

40 Reviews 2,500+ Ratings

What to know

critics consensus

The Decline of Western Civilization takes a frank, often funny look at the punk culture of the late '70s and early '80s. Read critic reviews

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The Decline of Western Civilization Photos

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Movie Info

Director Penelope Spheeris surveys the late-1970s Los Angeles punk scene: X, Black Flag, Fear, Germs, Catholic Discipline, Alice Bag Band.

Cast & Crew

Alice Bag
Claude Bessey
Don Bolles
Exene Cervenka
Philo Cramer
Darby Crash
John Doe
Lorna Doom
Frank Gargani
Greg Ginn
Greg Hetson
Craig Lee
Keith Morris
Phranc
Ron Reyes
Rick Schmidlin
Derf Scratch
Pat Smear
Lee Ving
Penelope Spheeris
Director
Penelope Spheeris
Screenwriter
Penelope Spheeris
Producer
Steve Conant
Cinematography
Charlie Mullin
Film Editing
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Critic Reviews for The Decline of Western Civilization

All Critics (40) | Top Critics (17) | Fresh (40)
Full Review… Nathan Rabin Globe and Mail Full Review… Michael Anthony Minneapolis Star Tribune Full Review… Scott Cain Atlanta Journal-Constitution Full Review… Eleanor Ringel Cater Atlanta Journal-Constitution Full Review… Lynn Van Matre Chicago Tribune Full Review… Joe Pollack St. Louis Post-Dispatch Full Review… Rick Chatenever Santa Cruz Sentinel Full Review… Robert W. Butler Kansas City Star Full Review… Cameron Cohick South Florida Sun-Sentinel Full Review… Terry Orme Salt Lake Tribune Full Review… Stephen Hunter Baltimore Sun Full Review… George Williams Sacramento Bee
View All Critic Reviews (40)

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