American Hardcore 2005

Not a glimpse into pornography but a riveting document of the brief (1980–86) but very influential moment when an underground army put a boot into the commercialism of US music, and put their own fervent spin on the British punk explosion. Inspired by the popular book of the same name, this film looks at the bands who reacted to the conservatism and materialism of the Reagan years. Drinking and drug use took a backseat to social anger, with one band even coining a term for such abstinence: ‘Straight Edge’ became more than just a song, it started a philosophy. If you think that bands like Limp Bizkit and Green Day are the epitome of ‘the angry young men’ of a generation, think again. When punk receded into escapist new wave, this new breed of sarcastic, anarchistic rebels began a sonic assault from Los Angeles to NYC – and without them there would be no Nirvana, Chili Peppers or Beastie Boys. Featuring explosive editing, never-seen archival footage and some highly colourful interviews with nearly every surviving member from the scene.