Punk may have had more sociopolitical roots in England, but as for the American context, this film gives a very clear insight into the reasons why Punk happened when it did. The group attracts national media attention, eclipsing the success of their mentors. This cult film stars Emilio Estevez as a street punk who through circumstance lands a job as a repo man. This highly quirky and enjoyable film has some degree of merit as a Punk Rock movie because it captures the fashions and language of the time, as well as having a totally kickass soundtrack. Defecation, nudity, and bloodshed are only the beginning.
Punk Rock is kind of like that.
The highlight of the film is the infamous Sid and Nancy bed interview which was originally supposed to be a drug-money generating porn movie starring Sid and Nancy, but due to severe intoxication was a hilariously pathetic jumble of stream of consiousness mumblings. This film beautifully captures the indominable spirit of kids trying to make their own scene. This scene alone sums up what Punk Rock is all about. Though her direction is sometimes clunky and heavy handed, this film features some of the most important live footage ever captured. The interviews with bands, zine writers, club owners, and fans all come together to make sense out of the phenomenon.