If you believe Penelope Spheeris' engrossing, often hilarious and always outrageous documentary. rock 'n' roll has evolved into a new phenomenon known as "speedrock," in which rhythms of 300 beats per minute aren't unusual. Spheeris, who produced several shorts for Saturday Night Live and the 1979 Albert Brooks comedy Real Life, hung around L.A.'s sleaziest rock clubs, interviewing club owners and often zonked-out fans. She also talks to post-punk band members and uncovers a nihilistic attitude toward just about everything. The result is both insanely funny and very frightening. The bands' names are indicative: Circle Jerks, Fear, Germs, Catholic Discipline and Black Flag are examples. Their songs are clearly intended to incite; the fighting in the audience and brawls onstage are all but part of the acts. Depression, Revenge, Barbee Doll Lust and I Don't Care About You are typical titles, often sung so fast Spheeris has provided subtitles in English. Is this just good clean fun, rock 'n' roll style? Maybe; at times, though, it looks a bit like the Hitler Youth Movement with guitars. (R)
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