Review of SLC Punk (1998) by Stefan G — 23 Aug 2015

As soon as I found out about this film, I immediately wanted to see it, and when I finally did, I was as much surprised as I was satisfied and entertained. I knew I was in for something really unique when I saw the title, which used satirical LP covers as the opening credits.

The film follows the life of two quintessential young punks living the life of an anarchist in a dilapidated apartment. It starts out as a really crazy comedy with what seems like a machine gun of jokes, but by the end it gradually morphs into a more serious film as the protagonist laments his position in life.

The film's protagonist offers a uniquely punk perspective, and while I'm fairly certain that you won't necessarily agree with him, I must admire the sheer force of his conviction. The film itself is blatantly satirical of the punk subculture in both the humorous sense at the beginning, and in the more serious sense towards the end.

This satirical representation of punks is reflected in the majority of the film's cast. Many of them are loud and aggressive, though they all have something that gives them depth (like "Heroin" Bob's ironic aversion to drugs).

The performances were exaggerated yet realistic, and somehow, I find myself sympathizing with the main protagonist by the end of the film. A variety of punk/alternative rock songs, on top of being downright catchy, help add to the film's punk vibe.

Ultimately, the film stands out as a terrifically satirical examination of what it means to be a punk, which, on a deeper level, is what the film lives and breathes.