Punk

Smithereens (1982, Susan Seidelman)
This is the low budget indie debut film from the director of Desperately Seeking Susan. Both films have a similar vibe but I definitely prefer this one. It could also be compared to Sid and Nancy, Dazed and Confused and Clerks in terms of atmosphere. It follows the self obsessed scrounger Wren as she uses nice guy Paul before ditching him for rock musician Erik (punk rock legend Richard Hell). With a nice punk soundtrack and good performances all round it’s a fun film without being romantic or sentimental that perfectly captures the NYC punk scene.
5/5

Hard Core Logo (1996, Bruce McDonald)
Imagine the typical band documentary that is only interesting for uber fans. Except it’s obviously not a real documentary and the fake band are an awful punk revival group of unlikable jerks. Apparently based on a book, though it seems more like it was made up on the spot. None of the comedy of Spinal Tap, none of the likeability of The Fabulous Stains and no redeeming values whatsoever except Joey Ramone making a cameo. The band Billy Talent took their name from a character in this film, which says a lot about how blatantly shit it is.
1/5


Ladies and Gentleman, The Fabulous Stains (1981, Lou Adler)
Corinne Burns (Diane Lane) is a fifteen-year-old orphan who forms a band with her sister Tracy (Marin Kanter) and cousin Jessica (a young Laura Dern) called the Stains. She manages to get the inexperienced band on a tour with a washed-out glam-rock group and a British punk band. She then radically changes her appearance, attracts a cult following and national media attention. The main thing that lets this film down is the music. A band featuring members of The Sex Pistols and The Clash with (a really hot looking) Ray Winstone on vocals somehow manages to completely suck. The lead character is somewhat petulant but still likeable. The film is definitely not very punk, despite the cast, but has a lot of charm. It’s a fun film of teenage wish fulfillment, and Corinne Burns hair is amazing.
4/5