Product: Filth to Fury [VHS]
Rating: 5.0
No one created me ... I AM Me !!!
This is easily one of the most compelling rock-documentaries ever made. There are only a few people reviewing this (who probably hated them already) who didn't love it. The reason is simple: this is a well-done, historically researched, and painfully frightening look at a moment in history, particularly English history. Who'd have thought a rock band could provolk so much resentment and hatred? But, when placed in historical context (with many many clips from contemporary television shows to give you that context) The Sex Pistols emerge as a shotgun blast of freedom in a very deteriorated culture. What we see is an entire Britain; both the upper and lower classes in the depths of despair. What else could have happened, apart from a war?I don't really think much else that emerged from the "punk" era was worth the effort (apart from some of the more musical new wave acts), but the Pistols are frighteningly real. Johnny Rotten's insistence that they were merely a combination of English Dance Hall Comedy and Richard III is both absurd and completely genuine. And, considering that is exactly the reception they recieved in their mother country, it is not so extraordinary to think they were (lances down during "Anarchy in the UK") declaring war on it.The moments of chaos surrounding "God Save the Queen" and their barge trip down the Thames is a massive peak, both historically and musically. What else could be said? "They could have hanged us at traitors gate and it would have been applauded ..." says Rotten and it would.The aftermath, or Coda, is the decline that occures immediately Sid Viscious joins the band. I make no arguement for the personel shift. They felt it necessary, so it happened. After a brief trip to the Berlin wall, the Pistols were so inspired to pen a couple of nitro-infused blasts at the Germans in the form of "Holiday in the Sun" and "Belson was a Gas" ... but, that didn't last long. The American tour was the end. The myth didn't mean anything in this country, apart from a freak show. The bubble was punctured and Sid went down with it."Ever Get the Feeling you've been cheated?" Rotten exclains, furiously looking out at their first full blown concert in San Francisco after perversely playing the south and hated. The menace in his voice is so obvious as he sings "No Fun" that the watcher feels glued to this meltdown. It is the end of Rock and Roll. It has never really risen. It has become a mere form of music and maybe that isn't so bad. But, the myth died right there and then with those words.