Penelope Spheeris: The Decline of Western Civilization Part III

What I noticed in Amsterdam, London, New Orleans, and elsewhere in the 1980s was this sad offshoot of people too young for the original punk scene but still as aimless and defiant as anyone I knew. I always heard of this subculture referred to as "Hardcore."

I still cringe at the thought of "all ages" shows. For me, I'd rather stick with adults only during after hours. Seems like a sad crew, indeed.

This legendary third installment (1998/2000) in the Decline documentary series is, as far as I know, not yet available in DVD or any other digital format. Spheeris is cool, though, and perhaps will turn up with a IVth chapter before we know it. Meanwhile, she is still working on The Gospel According to Janis (from what I can gather via internet sources and from Lee's comments). If so, good luck to her! There's a strange dearth of Janis Joplin films, along with Anne Sexton films. If I was Penelope Spheeris' confidante, I'd urge her to consider a Sexton project, too.

When I was in London, I saw an interesting play that followed the eerily parallel lives of Billie Holiday and Edith Piaf, one that had them meet once in passing in Manhattan. Sort of like a get-together of Jim Morrison, Janis Joplin, and Jimi Hendrix all at the same time. They were great ones, certainly.

Today's Rune: Possessions.

Ciao!