“Host:” Quarantine Horror for the Online Generation (Review)
Shudder’s Host (not a particularly original title, I must say) attempts to bring the spooks to “the quarantine generation” by presenting us with a scary Zoom call during lockdown.
The Decline of Western Civilization Part II: The Metal Years (1988)
An exploration of the heavy metal scene in Los Angeles, with particular emphasis on glam metal. It features concert footage and interviews of legendary heavy metal and hard rock bands and artists such as Aerosmith, Alice Cooper, Kiss, Megadeth, Motörhead, Ozzy Osbourne and W.A.S.P..
4.8 / 5
PopScore
Incluvie Stamps
Representation
Incluvie Movie Reviews
Semoy Booker
August 3, 2021
4.5 / 5
PopScore
Incluvie Stamps
The Best Shots of the Heavy Metal Documentary, 'The Decline of Western Civilization Part II: The Metal Years'
Penelope Spheeris’ The Decline of Western Civilization Part II: The Metal Years (1988) goes into depth about the livelihoods of the most famous rock stars, such as Aerosmith, Ozzy Osborne, and Kiss, to name a few. The film is a documentary, focusing on heavy metal in the late 80s and tackles topics like drug addiction, alcoholism, sex, masculinity, and of course, rock and roll. However, this didn’t feel like any documentary, I’ve ever seen before. I saw the most beautiful shots, some of which, were taken in the most bizarre settings. One of the things, I love about this documentary is, hearing Spheeris asking questions to the subjects. Sometimes, the questions are cut to make it look like the person is just pouring their heart out when really, someone was guiding them to answer the questions. I think, Spheeris wanted her audience to know that, they are watching a documentary, and hearing her interactions with the rock stars, and heavy metal fans created an intimate space that you don’t see in documentaries.
4. Alice Cooper with the Noose
In this scene from The Decline of Western Civilization Part II: The Metal Years, Spheeris asks members from different bands how they feel when other bands rip off one another’s music. We cut to Alice Cooper, who is surrounded by a gothic execution set stage, holding on to a noose. He responds, “I could think of a few that I would like to have right about now, right about here’” as he yanks the noose. This scene of Alice Cooper shows how this documentary can be viewed as a comedy because of the honest testimonies and the anger some bands feel when their songs can no longer be considered original.
3. Gene Simmons in a Lingerie Store
I’m embarrassed to say, it took me a while to know where Gene Simmons was in this scene, and when I realized where he was, a part of me was thinking, “Should this be happening right now? Can this be shown in theaters?” Luckily, the Hays Code got outlawed in 1968. I don’t know much about Gene Simmons, let alone KISS, but it’s very peculiar to set an interview within a lingerie store, and to have Simmons look at a woman’s butt, when being asked questions. Whether you think this is disturbing, or some sort of joke, this scene tells us a lot about how male rock stars view women. In a few testimonies, some heavy metal wannabes said, they wanted to be rock stars to get girls, and some of the successful bands, also said, they did it for the girls. In a discussion about groupies, Simmons shares an experience, when a fan once said "Hi" to him, and lifted her shirt to show him her breasts. In some ways, heavy metal can be compared to the horror genre because both genres eroticize and dehumanize women--The Decline of Western Civilization Part II: The Metal Years showcases this comparison perfectly.
2. Paul Stanley and his Playmates
Paul Stanley, another member from KISS, also shared his love of women. Initially, I was uncomfortable, watching scenes of the women lying half-naked around Stanley, but this crane shot of all four of them was done so masterfully that, it didn’t feel like the camera was sexualizing the models in any way. One of the ways that, the camera emphasizes how the women are Playboy models without sexualizing them is by not having any close-ups of their legs, breasts, or butts. These are the body parts that are most emphasized in the male gaze--however, Spheeris brings awareness that this is Paul Stanley’s fantasy. Throughout The Decline of Western Civilization Part II, we see women interacting with the male rock stars in a sexual way, and vice versa. The camera allows the audience to scrutinize the world of heavy metal that is full of sex and hegemonic masculinity. Despite the women being half-naked, this feels more sensual than sexual. Both Paul Stanley and the models have an intimate interaction with the camera. When Spheeris asks Stanley if he has ever fallen in love with one of his groupies, one of the models chuckles, and he says “no”. The models aren’t offended by his answer because they don’t take it personally. It’s hard to know whether Spheeris wanted us to judge Paul Stanley lying in bed with Playboy models, or wants to convey to the audience a simple message--"you want to know the life of a rock star, here it is”.
1. The Heavy Metal Girl
[read more]Pictures and Videos
Movie Information
An exploration of the heavy metal scene in Los Angeles, with particular emphasis on glam metal. It features concert footage and interviews of legendary heavy metal and hard rock bands and artists such as Aerosmith, Alice Cooper, Kiss, Megadeth, Motörhead, Ozzy Osbourne and W.A.S.P..
Rating:R
Genre:Documentary, Music
Written By:
In Theaters:6/17/1988
Box Office:
Runtime:93 minutes
Studio:I.R.S. World Media
Articles You May Like
Indie Film Review “Good Side of Bad” Mental health issues, coping with them, and the necessary awareness to help those affected once more takes center stage with relentless intensity and purpose
The shattering of what we strive to maintain as reality. It is certainly truthful to state that most, if not all, of us have experienced moments of genuine mental stress. Regardless of what might be the cause, the sheer unsettledness, the pressure that weighs upon us is a tangible force that CAN seem insurmountable. However, more often than not, this is only a temporary , one we can come through and simply move on from.
The Love Triangles in 'Tall Girl'
In Tall Girl, Jodi learns to stand tall and find confidence within.
'Ralph Breaks the Internet' in the World Wide Web
Ralph and Vanellope unpack lots of surprises for those who love going on the Internet.
“Sand Castle” Movie Review: Is This Yet Another Unrealistic War Drama?
Overall, Sand Castle was another lack luster war drama that will eventually fade into the many similar war dramas I have seen throughout my life.
'Shang-Chi' Delivers Epic Superhero Action and Positive Asian Representation
Marvel’s first Asian superhero film, 'Shang-Chi', deserves praise for balancing epic superhero action, a heartfelt family plot, and positive Asian representation.