03.11.2001 - World Premiere
We Sold Our Souls For Rock 'N' Roll
Last night we saw a powerful and compelling documentary by
Penelope Spheeris about the music phenomen known as Ozzfest.
The title is taken from the first greatest hits album from
Black Sabbath. Having never attended an Ozzfest event, but growing up on Black Sabbath it
was an interesting insight into the culture of heavy metal as it has aged. I don't think
it's appropriate to say it has matured, particularly after watching this film.
While it is obvious that heavy metal crosses many age lines
and socio economic strata, there seems to be a common cultural thread to the people. The
most visible aspect of the culture seems to be the binding together of the generations
that Ozzy and Sabbath bring to the event.
The culture seems to be heavily male with a lot of blatant
sexism and unbridaled machismo of the self appointed dominant males. This filters back to
the female followers in an incredible tendancy to display their breasts and receive the
appropriate reward of vigorous male attention.
As a father watching this film I was interested in the
evolution - or as some might see it the devolution of the music. Most of the groups that
were depicted in the film seem to depend on some performance or appearance gimmick to
stand out. I didn't get a sense that the newer members of the heavy metal community were
as interested in the craftsmanship of the music as they were in the shock value of their
perfomance.
I went to the Kiss, Angel, Queen and other "shock/glam
rock" shows of the 70's and 80's and I like a good show as well as the next person.
But I like good music even better. When some of the performances are indecipherable unless
you already know the music, it loses some of the musical impact for me. I have a respect
and love of Black Sabbath's "social protest" songs - but I don't see a dominant
theme to most of the other bands that were depicted in the film.
The energy of the performers, the chaos and unbridaled fury
of the audience came thru this film in a powerful way. Whether I ever embrace the heavy
metal culture or not, I believe this film is a powerful insight into the motivations and
energy of the culture as it now exists.
Probably most impressive is the sense of totality that this
film gives to the Ozzfest circuit. It does not glamorize it, but it does showcase the
energy, chaotic order, relentless pace and the ancillary impact to the performers, crew
and audience. The director has given us a rare insight into the road life of a touring
festival.
Ms. Spreeris neither judges nor exalts her subjects,
instead she has found within 260 hours of tape what appear to be the moments that define
them as human beings and performers.
Rick McCauley
As a 2000 Ozzfest attendee myself, I really
enjoyed the movie. It really captured the intensity put out by the bands as well as the
fans.
Penelope Spheeris is no stranger to the whole
music documentary scene. Past works of hers include The Decline of Western
Civilization I, II and III, SubUrbia as well as
mainstream movies like Waynes World and The Little
Rascals.
Her latest work though presented more of a
problem to her she has said. Mainly with the crowd. Heavier more energetic music generally
draws the more energetic crowds. Watching the film though I believe she did a great job
overcoming her obstacles.
Throughout the film she offers a good blend of
interviews as well as on stage performances of today's hottest metal bands. Bands like
Black Sabbath (of course), Static X, Rob Zombie, Slipknot and the Deftones to name a few.
The movie provided insight into what these
bands are feeling as they tour across America with the year's hottest festival.
We get to see that not only do they enjoy
entertaining audiences but also can be overwhelmed by the sheer size of the crowds.
Sometimes even intimidated.
I just can't say enough good things about the
vision she has captured. If you're a true, die-hard Metal Head (like myself), or even if
your not, I believe you will enjoy this movie.
Overall I give it 3 thumbs up.
Richard McCauley
