Douglas Douglas

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Hey people The Punks are Alright is playing all over the world and can be playing in your neighborhood next. get involved and set up your own DIY screening in your living room local club or theater. Contact the filmmaker here. Upcoming screening in Ohio and Beijing. Below is a review of the film from a Brasillian journalist...

I am not a punk. I have never been a Punk, but I do listen to Punk, among other things. And that was enough for me to take an interest for "the punks are alright" playing at this year's International Film Festival. I went to the showing with the least amount of information, acquired or pre conceived judgments as possible, which I believe to be a healthy attitude when it comes to documentary films. Therefore, those who believe will watch a massive Punk homage, or a history lesson on the musical style be warned: It's not about that at all. The film is about punks, not Punk. With this said, I wouldn't like to spoil too much about it or elaborate on my conclusions regarding punks that subsequently elapsed. Saying this might seem contradictory to my initial statement, but my opinion regarding punks actually did not change as much in consequence of the film, and if you play close attention it indeed doesn't, and even if it did, my opinion on punks is irrelevant, what really matters is what I have to say about the film. And it is a brave effort of a visibly excited director, who gets involved with his subject matter and is not ashamed to show it. Unlike today's reactionary documentaries his voice is mostly inaudible throughout the film and opinions are not spoken, they are displayed. Even better, there are no opinions, there is fascination, and that stands out. Should you know absolutely nothing about Punk, don't be alarmed, the film still is quite worth it. It is not dependent on outside knowledge, it simply presents Punk's current situation, weather it be as a musical style, lifestyle or simple "style". Knowing Punk through this film can indeed be a very interesting experience, which I recommend and in fact would like to have had, for it may lead to believe that that is the genuine and ultimate expression of the oppressed masses, which it surely was in the past and doesn't cease to be today, but it's no longer the only one. And that's the point where spectators my divide themselves between excited or cynical. The important thing is that all "characters" have something to say, and have found in Punk the best way to express themselves. There is no other constant and surely there are no rules. Douglas Crawford is able to show the essence of Punk attitude through the film, not simply with the finished product, but in the manner of production as well: A guy with something to say expresses himself as he can, without help, and needs a day job in order to do it. We are all punks, after all, who doesn't want to be alright? In the words of Crawford himself: Don't I look Punk to you? ..