The Decline of Western Civilisation I, II and III - National Film Theatre Saturday 22nd July
Presented by director Penelope Spheeris

The Decline of Western Civilisation
Chronicling the angst-ridden punk subculture of urban Los Angeles, Spheeris' film is styled after the music: abrasive, frank, and packed with energy, it moves swiftly from band and fan interviews to talks with club owners, managers and critics to the loud, raucous shows inside seedy LA nightclubs. Spheeris neither condemns, nor glamourises, the movement, though she definitely has an eye for talent.
Introduced by Penelope Spheeris.
NFT3 3.45PM Sat 22 Jul

The Decline of Western Civilisation II: The Metal Years
Spheeris' second look at urban LA. This time she puts the camera in front of a number of kids and Heavy Metal 'stars' and lets them talk about their music and their lives. Topics include alcoholism, drugs, the glam image and why it attracted so many people from many walks of life. Interviewed are up-and-coming bands who made their home in the LA scene and some of the genre's idols.
Introduced by Penelope Spheeris.
NFT3 6.15PM Sat 22 Jul

The Decline of Western Civilisation III
Assembled from a series of interviews with fans in their late teens and early 20s who bear monikers like Squid, Filth, Spinner, Why-Me?, and Pinwheel, the film queries how the music scene has changed during the past 20 years, whether participants view it as a lifestyle or a hobby, and what the driving forces behind punk rock fandom are.
Intro and Q&A with Penelope Spheeris.
NFT3 8.30PM Sat 22 Jul