Tuesday, August 13, 2013


Occasionally, kids, I get to see things that very few people have and, while this is not always a good thing, I relish the chance to do it.  It gives me a little thrill.  It's like getting the fast pass at the amusement park. 

Of course, sometimes the wait just isn't worth it.

In 2008, Pat Higgins released his mockumentary The Devil's Music.  It hit the festival circuit and it did pretty well.  Let's talk about it, shall we?

The film follows the exploits of Erika Spawn, a "shock rocker" with a bit of a shady past who's known for her angry feminism, anonymous guitarist in a gas mask, bitchy bassist and gory stage work with a straight razor and a lot of fake blood.  Plus the occasional stuffed animal used to dispel those stupid rumors spread about everybody from Alice Cooper to Marilyn Manson in regards to murdering puppies.

Through the course of the film, we get introduced to band members and agents and publicists and eventually, along comes the hook.  A little psuedo-groupie by the name of Stephanie.  No one knows how she became so important but she joins the tour and brings along her own brand of strange with her.

Are you talkin' shit about my girl?

There's also Erika's "competition" to worry about, Robin Harris, an ex-boy band member and all-around goodie-two-shoes.  Punk-ass bitch.

Now, BECAUSE this movie hasn't gotten a whole lot of exposure, I'm not going to tell you too much because I kind of think you have to see this for yourself.

'Cause ex-boy-band members occasionally need a boot to the neck.
That being said, though, I didn't care for it much.  For an indie film it was OK and the shaky-cam (which I still fucking abhor) wasn't too bad but seriously, I was more scared watching Sandro explode on Project Runway last week.  I understand that the point here wasn't to instill a sense of fear per se but, rather, to give an unflinching documentary-style look at a mystery involving a missing woman.  Unfortunately, it was about a woman with whom I was not emotionally invested.

Not her. I liked her.
 Don't get me wrong.  I'm all about metalheads stickin' it to the man and giving the world a giant fuck you and I know that's what Higgins was trying to do.  On that front I give him total props.  The ideas presented are the right ideas and I'm glad someone had them. 

On the other hand, we also had to deal with, in my opinion, lackluster acting where it seemed like characters were afraid to get passionate.  You're fucking metalheads, bitches, SCREAM!  Rage at the fucking machine!  Only the actress portraying Adele, the bassist, seemed to be able to bring her voice to full volume.  I don't know if that's a British thing or not but it makes for a rather milquetoast movie.  Plus, there isn't a lot to bring the gorehounds to the yard and the Satan fans might feel a bit teased.  And, lastly, the music was not fun to listen to.  It did not have a good beat and I could not dance to it.  If you're going to make a movie about music, make sure that AT LEAST the music is good.

Sorry, Pat.  I know you brought this to me directly and it had it's good points but I can't call it a favorite.  It's a GREAT effort, though, and that scores you some points.  I do see some AWESOME potential in your work, and that's what counts.

If you want to catch it for yourself, you can watch it here (not for free, though, sorry) and make up your own mind.  As I always say, your mileage may vary. 

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