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Film Wed Jun 24 2015
Music Box Theatre Celebrates Decline of Western Civilization
To commemorate the upcoming box set release of The Decline of Western Civilization and The Decline of Western Civilization II: The Metal Years, the Music Box Theatre is showing both films back to back on Saturday, June 27. Director Penelope Spheeris will be on hand to introduce both films and do a Q&A with the audience.
Spheeris broke out into the scene with her debut The Decline of Western Civilization in 1981. She has also directed Black Sheep, The Little Rascals and Wayne's World. Her two films being shown on the 27th hold a special place in not only American film history, but music history as well. Each captures a cultural snapshot of the music scene that was occurring in Southern California at the time.
The Decline of Western Civilization takes a look at the emerging Southern California hardcore punk scene. The film shows interviews and performances from a few bands that stood out from the pack, including Black Flag and The Germs, but also gives insight into the anti-establishment subculture that was occurring at the time. Many of the bands showcased went on to have lasting effects in the punk rock scene.
Spheeris' follow-up, The Decline of Western Civilization II: The Metal Years is a bit different from its predecessor. Whereas the first installment in this series looked at the rebellious culture of the early 1980s music scene, The Metal Years examines the glitz and glam of rock stardom. The Metal Years shows interviews from metal pioneers such as Kiss, Poison and Alice Cooper. One scene features an unintentionally hilarious moment where Ozzy Osbourne discusses his past drug use while trying to make breakfast.
Showtimes are 9:45pm for The Decline of Western Civilization, followed by the Q&A with Spheeris, and midnight for The Decline of Western Civilization Part II: The Metal Years. Spheeris will introduce both films. Cost of admission is $12 for one or both of the films. The Music Box is located at 3733 N. Southport Ave.
