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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.
  • Genre:
    documentary
  • Original Language:
    English
  • Director:
    Penelope Spheeris
  • Producer:
    Penelope Spheeris
  • Release Date (Streaming):
  • Runtime:
  • Production Co:
    Spheeris Films Inc.

Cast & Crew

Alice Bag
Claude Bessey
Don Bolles
Exene Cervenka
Philo Cramer
Darby Crash
John Doe
Lorna Doom
Frank Gargani
Greg Ginn
Penelope Spheeris
Director
Penelope Spheeris
Writer (Screenplay)
Penelope Spheeris
Producer
Steve Conant
Cinematographer
Charlie Mullin
Film Editor
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News & Interviews for The Decline of Western Civilization

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Critic Reviews for The Decline of Western Civilization

All Critics (23) | Top Critics (8) | Fresh (23)

  • Director Penelope Spheeris neither champions, patronizes nor condescends to the participants' stylized fury. The result is a film that will appeal equally to the furious and the curious, assuming that both enter the arena with an open mind.

    May 10, 2019 | Full Review…

    Richard Harrington

    Washington Post

  • The ingenuity and appeal of this bizarre, riveting and compelling film lie in its value as reportage.

    April 27, 2018 | Full Review…

    Bruce McCabe

    Boston Globe

  • Spheeris doesn't stand at the remove some documentarians do; you feel like you're in the scene, at those shows, and in those rooms.

    May 28, 2016 | Full Review…

    Jason Bailey

    Flavorwire

  • A bracing, stimulating and technically superb close-up look at the LA punk scene, pic is pitched at a perfect distance to allow for simultaneous engagement in the music and spectacle, and for rueful contemplation of what it all might mean.

    March 26, 2009 | Full Review…

    Variety Staff

    Variety

  • The interviews are mostly very funny, probably not always intentionally so. It's far from unmissable, but it's valuable rock history with some great noise.

    January 26, 2006 | Full Review…

    Simon Garfield

    Time Out

  • Quote not available.

    May 12, 2005 | Rating: 4/5

    Nell Minow

    Movie Mom
View All Critic Reviews (23)

Audience Reviews for The Decline of Western Civilization

  • Jan 26, 2010
    It was interesting, but I guess because I was alive for the end of this era of music, I don't really appreciate it
    Remi L Super Reviewer
  • Dec 16, 2008
    a view from the pit at the height of the l.a. hardcore scene, circa 1980. blistering performances by black flag and x among others. film quality isn't great as this hasn't had a dvd release but it's well worth watching for those interested in a bunch of bored middle class kids bent on self destruction. i enjoyed it!
    Stella D Super Reviewer
  • Jul 16, 2008
    Perfectly captures the self destructive nihilism of the late 70s punk movement through interviews and great performances by X, Fear, Black Flag, The Circle Jerks, Alice Bag Band, Catholic Discipline, and the Germs. Especially fascinating is watching interview and performances with Darby Crash of The Germs, in the months prior to his suicide. A powerful document of a moment in time.
    Anthony V Super Reviewer
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