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The Decline of Western Civilization

The Decline of Western Civilization
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Decline of Western Civilization

Bing Theater
Los Angeles County Museum of Art
5905 Wilshire Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90036

Special guest: Penelope Spheeris, musician Kristen Patches, musician Lee Ving and musician Greg Hetson.

Director Penelope Spheeris's blistering depiction of the early 1980s Los Angeles punk scene remains a classic in the cult film canon, despite never being available on DVD. Spheeris's groundbreaking documentary captures some of the scene's most seminal bands at their sweaty, ferocious peak, onstage and off. From OC hardcore progenitors Black Flag and Circle Jerks to Hollywood heavyweights Germs, X and the seminally provocative Fear, Spheeris offers a mosher's-eye view of the era's greats. Spheeris also grants ample screen time to the fans and fellow travelers of this "high speed, high volume" scene, interviewing them with unflinching directness.

1981, 100 minutes, color and black and white, 35mm | Directed by Penelope Spheeris; with Alice Bag Band, Black Flag, Catholic Discipline, Circle Jerks, Fear, Germs and X.

The Academy presented "The Decline of Western Civilization Parts 1 & 3" on Monday, April 18, at the LACMA Bing Theater. Pictured (left to right): host Mark Toscano, musician Kristen Patches, musician Lee Ving, musician Greg Hetson and director Penelope Spheeris.

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The Decline Of Western Civilization part III