The Decline of Western Civilization III

The Decline of Western Civilization Part III

The theatrical poster
Directed by Penelope Spheeris
Produced by Ross Albert
Guy J. Louthan
Scott Wilder
Cinematography Jamie Thompson
Edited by Ross Albert
Ann Trulove
Distributed by Spheeris Films
Release dates
  • 1998 (U.S.)
Running time
 86 min.
Country United States
Language English

The Decline of Western Civilization III is a 1998 documentary film directed by Penelope Spheeris that chronicles the gutter punk lifestyle of homeless teenagers. It is the third film of a trilogy by Spheeris depicting life in Los Angeles at various points in time. The first film The Decline of Western Civilization dealt with the punk rock scene during 1980-1981. The second film The Decline of Western Civilization Part II: The Metal Years covers the Los Angeles heavy metal movement of 1986-1988.

Synopsis

The film involves hardcore street punks called "gutter punks" who take the anti-establishment message with extreme seriousness, and tune out society completely. Spheeris talks to homeless teenagers living on the street or squatting in abandoned buildings in Los Angeles, as well as an unstable mother, Los Angeles Police Department officer Gary Fredo, and a paralyzed youth living on a disability.

Performances by four bands were filmed: Final Conflict, Litmus Green, Naked Aggression and The Resistance.

Reception and distribution

The film premiered at the 1998 Sundance Film Festival and was also screened at the Cannes Film Festival and the Chicago Underground Film Festival. However, it never went into general release and is not available on VHS or DVD.

It won the Freedom of Expression award at Sundance and a jury award at the Chicago festival and was warmly received by film critics.

External links