Film Review: Punk’s Not Dead

Even though it’s not scheduled to make it’s way to Detroit anytime soon, I got my mits on a screener’s copy of Susan Dynner’s new documentary Punk's Not Dead and I just gotta say, “Wow”.

This documentary is one of those films that truly represents everything a documentary should be. It’s not a film that simply shows and tells you what happened. Instead, even though the piece is rich in historical footage and anecdotal interviews, it’s not really about the history of punk at all.

Punk's Not Dead is an exploration of the philosophy of punk, and of what it meant to be a punk then, and what it means now. Those who bemoan the commercialization of punk rock will either walk away from this one angered about the film’s attention to the new school of punk, or with a new insight toward the ideal that punk is an ever-evolving medium. Either way, it’s gonna make you think, and you’ll be debating the ideas behind this doc for quite a while.

The film hasn’t seen a mass release yet, so for the time being, here are the remaining dates of its screening schedule:

Punk's Not Dead Screening Dates

Hopefully, after its run, it will either see a larger theater run or at least a DVD release. Either way, you should check it out when you get the chance. While you’re waiting for your opportunity, you can check out the the film trailer on the film’s Web site, and take a look at my full review of Punk's Not Dead here.

Photo: Director Susan Dynner with Charlie Harper from the UK Subs; photo courtesy of Punk's Not Dead