The Decline of Western Civilization 2: The Metal Years (1988)

Synopsis of The Decline of Western Civilization 2: The Metal Years

Ozzy Osbourne, Gene Simmons, and Aerosmith's Joe Perry and Steven Tyler are among the Heavy Metal artists interviewed in The Decline of Western Civilization 2: The Metal Years. This follow-up to filmmaker Penelope Spheeris' classic 1981 "punk" documentary The Decline of Western Civilization is a bit more reflective and word-dominated than its predecessor, but no less entertaining. One striking aspect of the film is its before-and-after comparisons of the impact of MTV. Heavy Metal newcomers tend to overpraise the cable service, while the "oldsters" implicitly decry the mainstreaming-and in some cases, homogenizing--of their best work. Interestingly, Spheeris' own style has become more mainstream in the years since Decline of Western Civilization, thanks to experience gleaned on such dramatic films as Hollywood Vice Squad (1986) and Dudes (1987). ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Director(s):

Penelope Spheeris

Producer(s):

Miles A. Copeland III, Jonathan Dayton, Paul Colichman

Theatrical MPAA Rating:

R(Adult Language, Not For Children, Brief Nudity, Substance Abuse)

Warning:  This product is intended for mature audiences only. It may contain violence, sexual content, drug abuse and/or strong language. You must be 17 or older to purchase it. By ordering this item you are certifying that you are at least 17 years of age.

Looking for special editions of The Decline of Western Civilization 2: The Metal Years?

See All Versions

Subtitles:

Check All Versions

Closed Captioning:

Check All Versions